Mario Cuomo, colorful, controversial, and oft times combative New York political icon, died on New Year’s Day at his Manhattan apartment. He was 82 years old. The cause of death was reported as being due to complications from congestive heart failure.
Cuomo served three terms as a Democratic governor during tumultuous times for the state, including two severe recessions, and was several times eyed as a presidential contender, though he never officially threw his hat into the ring.