[View the story "Remembering Ed Koch " on Storify]
Remembering Ed Koch
Former Mayor Ed Koch was an outgoing, acid-tongued politician credited with saving the city from near-financial ruin during his three terms in City Hall. He died early Friday morning, his spokesman said.
Storified by NBC New York· Fri, Feb 01 2013 06:24:25
We asked viewers on Facebook and Twitter to share some of their memories of Koch.
New Yorkers reflect on the life and legacy of ...Facebook
New Yorkers are reflecting on the life of Ed #Koch. What's your favorite moment or memory? Share with #NBC4NYNBC New York
@NBCNewYork Ed Koch called in to our morning talk show a few months ago. Very interesting and intelligent man with plenty of stories to tellGino Geruntino
On Facebook, New Yorkers remembered his outgoing personality and kindness.
Angele Kassar Ekert wrote: "I saw Mayor Koch walking down 52nd street in NYC one day in the late 80s....a couple of tourists yelled to him from across the street " Mayor Koch, we love you!" ...he yelled 'wait, what did you say?' To which they repeated those praises....he 'pretended' not to hear them and asked them to say it two more times, each time they yelled louder.....to which he responded 'Oh that's what I thought you said!' Smiling thinking of him today."
"l will always commend your dedication and love for NYC! Peace be with you," wrote Evelyn Rodriguez.
Alice Benjamin remembered his kindness to her son's Boy Scout troop.
"My favorite moment was when my son's Boy Scout Troup led the Parade down 9th Avenue, and the Mayor was right in front of them," she wrote. "He made it a point to shake hands with all the Scouts and say hello! I'll miss him -- he was a character!!"
Lucy Stasio Mottola wrote that she'll remember "his enthusiasm...and his authenticity!"
More reflections on Koch's life and mark on New York City:
How indelible was @mayoredkoch in the lives of #NewYorkers? He signed my birth certificate.Matt Gorton
We should all live lives as long, meaningful, productive, relevant, honest, purposeful, impactful and ... fun as did @MayorEdKoch #edkochRory Lancman
Some old memories of @mayoredkoch in Boro Park. http://pic.twitter.com/50RrNjgAPinny Ringel
Ed Koch was the mayor that I grew up watching. He was the mayor of NYC that all should try to emulate. A true politician for the peopleDaDa Rocks!
Wonderful collection of Ed Koch photos from NYT achieve. May he R.I.P. http://nyti.ms/WGAZZm http://yfrog.com/esfaatpJim Roberts
Ed Koch, 1978, by Richard Avedon http://pic.twitter.com/EIvAHQ4wJustin Miller
RT @NYC: “The city was and is his family ” R.I.P. Edward Koch (1924-2013) http://nyti.ms/Vsa0NS http://pic.twitter.com/5dS6Aowrpurpleone93
RT @RealRadioGold: RIP Ed Koch... The only Mayor of NY to be a real Mets fan!! #LetsGoMets http://pic.twitter.com/51LzoFkmEddie Borsilli
Koch was famous for asking anyone he passed on the street how he was doing. During the 1980 transit strike he greeted walking commuters at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge.
"Am I doing alright?" Ed #Koch greets walking commuters during transit strike http://vine.co/v/b1Oh051gKPZNBC New York
