Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch Passes Away

So sad. The storied former mayor of New York City, Ed Koch, is dead of congestive heart failure at the age of 88. TMZ reports that the beloved politician passed away at approximately 2:00 a.m. ET today (Feb. 1).

Koch suffered a myriad of health issues within the final six months of his storied life. He was hospitalized in January for a lung ailment; in December 2012 he battled pneumonia and in September 2012 was hospitalized for anemia. He also had heart problems, per Radar Online.

Koch's health issues kept him from attending a screening of a documentary about his life, aptly named 'Koch,' this past Tuesday (Jan. 29).

In addition to saving New York City from financial disaster during his mayoral tenure, which ran from 1978 to 1989, Koch was also the best loved judge on 'The People's Court' from 1997 to 1999. He served in World War II and was a member of the House of Representatives from 1969 to 1973.

Koch, who was never married and has no children, was a staunch advocate for gay rights and an eternal bachelor who was never afraid to speak his mind. When asked about his own personal life, he once snapped, "F--- off. There have to be some private matters left.” He also admitted, "I'm the sort of person who will never get ulcers. Why? Because I say exactly what I think. I am the sort of person who might give other people ulcers."

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones -- as well as his widow, New York City.