Photo Gallery
Reminisce with this collection of images of Mayor Menino from our archives. Or email your own photo to share with the Menino family. Please feel free to share your memories below.
Reminisce with this collection of images of Mayor Menino from our archives. Or email your own photo to share with the Menino family. Please feel free to share your memories below.
Thomas M. Menino 1942-2014 
172 Responses to “Share Your Memories”
THE ORIGINAL BOSTON STRONG
We must remain here on earth and try to endure your loss,
But you gain Heaven as the prize- for a job done with honor and pride ( always with those twinkling eyes!)
Long ago a star was passed straight into your passionate soul
,
and through YOU, God’s work commenced right there, and right then,
Touching even the toughest “Doubting Thomas” Bostonian..
Soon those who knew you( or felt they did!) will line up for a final farewell-
perhaps they’ll sign a book, a card, but each will have personal stories to tell…
About the” dapper” man who walked the streets-but not with political “bill of goods to sell-
Just a firm resolve to make this city great- better than it’s ever been-
That goal was reached and far surpassed- your own “World Series win”.
The days and nights ahead will be long,
and tears will flow like the Charles,
But our comfort will be you’re still walking these streets-
as the ORIGINAL “BOSTON STRONG”.
Thank You Mr. Mayor- our sincere condolences to Mrs. Menino and your entire family – friends- staff- and all those who loved you.
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To Angela and family, I hope you find peace in knowing that your husband was a great person and that he will be remembered for a vey long time. Thank you Mayor Menino, may you rest in peace.
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Mayor Menino was one of the few greats. His devoted leadership to the City of Boston made such a difference over the years. One of the things I most respected and admired was his ability to be “down to earth” and a real person within reach of all of the public. His love and passion for the city was palpable. Mayor Menino was someone who will never be replaced and his impact on the city is visible far and wide.
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You were a mighty mayor, a gentle man, an effective leader and a father to all who lives in and loves Boston. May you find peace and eternal rest. You deserve it. Condolences to your family, friends and the Boston family.
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RIP Mayor Menino. Our collective hearts are breaking. My third graders were devastated to learn you had died. Devastated. They say you have met/interacted with about 50% of the population of Boston. Amazing. I am more amazed at how many 8-year-olds know you, could recognize you, and even had stories of meeting you: getting special “Mayor Pencils” or stuffed animals, hugging you at neighborhood celebrations. I don’t think that most young kids in big cities feel a personal connection with their mayor. There were many tears involved when we sat together on the rug and I broke the news. Thank you so much for giving our children such a sense of importance and a personal and positive interaction with politics and politicians. RIP Tom Menino
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The Children of Jim Kelly will never forget how great Mayor Menino was to us during our father’s illness. Tom proved what true friendship is, thru out my Father’s last days the Mayor stopped every evening to see his pal and to offer us comfort, guidance and support. They had a great friendship that meant the world to my Dad. My Father and the Kelly Family loved Tom Menino and will always treasure the memories we had with him. May you Rest in Peace Mr. Mayor.
Jamie Kelly.
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Thank you Mr. Mayor, ( TOM MENINO ) you were the best at what you did for the City of Boston, you did it your Way.
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When I began my 30 plus year career in the City, it really was in a shameful state. What a miraculous job you and you alone did for the revitalization and new beauty bestowed upon our lovely Boston. Thank you for making my commute and also too my weekend excursions a true pleasure. May you rest in the arms of our Lord. Thank you dear Mayor for the fantastic accomplishments you personally brought to our beautiful city. I will say a special prayer to St. Anthony to hold your wonderful wife’s hand tightly as she moves forward with the love of your special children.
God Bless you and Thank You Sir.
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You always had the Boston’s children close to your heart and worked tirelessly so they could achieve. I cannot imagine a Boston without you.
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“OUR HERO”
Mr. Menino was a very distinguished man and I want to thank you for all you have done for all the communities in Boston, Mass…you will be truly missed♥ Sending my condolences and heartfelt pain to Mrs. Menino and family may God Bless you all at the time of breavement
The Dixon/McKnight Family
Roslindale, MA
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“OUR HERO”
Mr. Menino was a very distinguished man and I want to thank you for all you have done for all the communities in Boston, Mass…you will be truly missed♥ Sending my condolences and heartfelt pain to Mrs. Menino and family may God Bless you all at the this time of breavement
The Dixon/McKnight Family
Roslindale, MA
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Mayor Menino was a staunch supporter of public health and the Boston Public Health Commission. He deeply cared that Boston’s children have equal opportunities to grow up healthy and understood that government played a key role. Thank you, Mayor Menino.
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MAYOR MENINO took care of the peoples in EAST BOSTON. We miss him!
East Boston Resident
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Phyllis Beach November 1, 2014
Mayor Menino was a peoples’ mayor. He often visited our church and fellowshipped with the church members for the entire service. Often stating how much he loved the music. It was this mayor who worked effortlessly to beautify this city. I remember when he started making sure the main streets had flower pots in the median strips and how delighted my late mother in-law was when he made land owners accountable for vacant lots that were eye sores and changed them into something the community could be proud of. May God comfort his family at this sad time and continue to bless them always.
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My favorite memory of Mayor Menino was when he would come to Camp Harbor View. He would love to come especially on Fridays as we had a hot dogs and hamburgers for lunch. Mayor Menino and Jack Connor were the driving force in creating a safe haven for Boston Youth ages 11-14. It is such a beautiful safe place where kids can just play, and can let down their guard and have fun. As a school nurse in Boston, I know I send students who need extra support, who need to be cared for an nurtured. As a camp nurse at Camp Harbor View I see these dreams realized. I see kids beaming with joy and confidence, trying new things and making new friends. May God bless you and and your family for being an Angel to children and families in Boston.
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Nancy Smith November 1, 2014
What can be said about you that has not already been said. You were such an amazing spirit that made everyone feel like that matter.
My claimed a famed was that I had 6 pictures with you, and I will always remember you saying OK, you want to take another one. Yes, I would say ..yeah, because we just look good together!! The, truth was that you always had a ear to listen and would immediately take the time to offer a comment or possible solution. May the GOOD GOD continue to comfort Mrs. Angela Menino, and the rest of the clan and bless them forever..
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Great man.
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UMass Boston. Tom Menino, John Collins and Bob Quinn.
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Glenola Mitchell – November 2, 2014
I will always remember and appreciate Mayor Thomas Menino who had a vision, passion and commitment to educational excellence. He changed the face of education in Boston Public Schools. Mayor Menino loved the children and enjoyed seeing them excel in their education. Mayor Menino even before becoming mayor was diligent in his district as the City Councilor and stood for educational excellence then and demonstrated how much he cared and how important it was to him by visiting the schools and spending time reading to them and presenting certificates. Because of his vision and mission to improve the education in Boston Public Schools we have educational opportunities for insuring each child receives every tool and skill necessary to compete with best of the best.
I am most fortunate to have worked at the City Council during his time as the city Councilor from Hyde Park and when became the Mayor in 1993. As a community leader I greatly appreciate Mayor Menino’s love of community and his caring and sensitivity to ensure the elderly and homeless were taken safe and during seasonal weather events and that the communities had access to city hall to get their issues and concerns addressed and resolved. Mayor Menino made Boston the city to love too live and people love to visit. Mayor Menino has left his imprint and legacy. Each time I look at the newly constructed buildings, the waterfront, and the main streets in each community I will remember that little sparkling smile and hear his voice during a ribbon cutting ceremony that added another jewel to his legacy.
Thank you Mayor Menino for your love of community, your passion for educational excellence, for making access to good healthcare viable to all who needed it, and for being the peoples Mayor.
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“If we want a healthy city, we need to start with healthy children. Our kids need to be healthy so that they can learn and have chance to achieve their dreams,” said Mayor Thomas Menino. “That’s why preventing childhood lead poisoning is essential.” ~ Thank you for caring Mr. Mayor . I share your vision and extend my condolences to your family.
Rest In Peace #MayorMenino
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One day Mayor Menino and his family came to our Chinese restaurant to have a dinner. As a common guest, he waited, ordered and gave tips. When I asked him to take a picture with him, he agreed! Even at that time he was not in good health and couldn’t stand freely. After the first picture taken in the dining room, he recommended to take a picture before the register because the light there was better.So I could take a second picture with him. I was just a busboy! Thank you, Mayor Menino, you are a good man.
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Thank you Mister Mayor, for everything you have done. You were the Best of the best. You were there during the most difficult moments of our lives, the Boston Marathon Bombings. You will forever be greatly missed. I thank you for everything. My heart is broken. To your wife Angela I send my heartfelt love and my condolences. To your daughter, son and grandchildren, I send my deepest, deepest condolences. This has been a shock to all of us. He was very loved by all citizens of Boston. He was always there when you needed him. I send all my love and all my prayers to all of you.
Your truly,
Kathryn Ghella-Watts
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My thoughts and prayers are with the Menino family during thus very difficult time. God bless you all.
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Even though I am not directly a citizen of Boston, mayor Menino’s work and legacy has impacted all who live in the Commonwealth. His devotion for his city in love for citizens are unparalleled by any other mayor. He will be extremely missed.
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Tom Menino was Boston.
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To the Menino Family,
I am just a girl from a small suburb town of Boston, but the loss of the former Mayor feels like the loss of a family member. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy and will live on in the hearts of many. A piece of my heart stays with you all.
With much sympathy,
Susan O’Neill
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Mayor Menino was a legend in his own time. He had a wonderful presence wherever he went. His interactions with the people of Boston were so genuine and sincere. When meeting him, no matter how many people were around, his greeting was always so personal. In terms of his impact, the decisions he made in office have made this city such a better place. I, like so many, had complete trust in his policies, as they demonstrated his thoughtfulness toward us and our neighborhoods.
It will be very hard for anyone to fill his shoes. He was a great man and will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences and sympathy go out to his family. Thank you for sharing him with us, his “extended family” of the City of Boston.
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I met the Mayor many times – at Fenway Park, at the Boston Half Marathon, at the Hale School auctions, in Jamaica Plain and elsewhere. He was always interested in knowing something about us and always accommodating when a picture was requested, particularly with my nephews. He did SO much for the City of Boston and its residents…we are grateful to him, his family and we honor his memory at this time. Prayers & thoughts to his family…
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Major Menino was a real servant of the servants of God, for the last six years I worked at St. Francis House in Boston, he never missed a single Thanksgiving, celebrating it with the homeless people at St. Francis House. His humility and simplicity is a unique model of service that should be emulated by leaders of modern times. May his soul rest in peace and meet his creator with gratitude and happiness.
Mathias Ssekanjako Omega
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Menino was a tremendous human being
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The last time I saw Mayor Menino was at Castle Island when Joe Biden came to support Ed Markey. Mayor Menino was in his SUV and still not strong on his feet. The entire entourage with the VP moved over to the Mayor and spent quite a bit of time talking, laughing and hugging. It made me think- you cannot come to Boston without spending time with Mayor Menino. He was the face of the city and will be remembered as the most beloved.
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While in the city doing other business I ran into the Mayor at City Hall Plaza during the MIA event. After watching f-16’s fly overhead , the Mayor begin to move slowly to his vehicle. His attendant looked at me and as our eyes met her sadness was an indicator that the Mayor , everyone’s ailing father had declining health. Mayor Menino had trouble 2 years ago getting into his vehicle. Rest in peace sir and thank you for your service to the city of boston and the nation. You will not be forgotten.
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Mayor Menino, I was born in Boston in 1942, about the same time as you. I grew up in East Boston and moved abroad for 10 years in the 1960’s When I returned in 1976, I was appalled at how badly the city had deteriorated but happy not to have to live there. I lived in Stoneham and Reading but worked in the city for several years at different jobs, always lamenting the sorry state of my beloved birthplace. Then you came along and things began to improve.
Your enthusiasm and love of Boston inspired me to help organize 300 volunteers to work in planting the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, transforming what was formerly the nightmarish underbelly of the old Expressway into the beautiful sunny gardens they are today, giving the city a gateway to the Innovation District and the harbor.
You made me proud to be a Bostonian, even though I haven’t lived there since 1960. Your character, humility and honesty are unmatched as a politician. You are the one and only politician who I can truly say I admired, indeed, loved, 100%, despite some differences with some of your policies. You did it your way, and the results are simply astounding. How many other cities can feel as proud as we do?
Your legacy will live on for generations but we who lived and watched you work your magic on our beloved city are the fortunate ones to have experienced having you enrich our lives.
To Angela and your kids and grandkids, thank you for sharing Tom with us. Mayor Menino, thank you for your dedicated service to us all for so many years.
A Proud Bostonian
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About ten year ago tom was visiting seniors at Blake Estates he came up too me and said jack Leary said I was a hard worker on the phone bank hr said Jim I want you too help me on the phone bank with Jack I have never felt so humble and happy at the same time will miss him much
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I had just had my first child and my mother, who was heading back to Ohio after spending two weeks with us, insisted that my husband and I go out for dinner. We picked a small and quiet nearby restaurant. As we opened the door to the restaurant, there was a man who looked really familiar to me sitting at a table. In my brand new mom haze, I couldn’t quite place him, but smiled and said hello to him like I’d known him for years. He very generously smiled back and said hello. When we sat down at the table, my husband said, ” You do know who that is, right?”. I replied, ” I know I do, where have we met him before?” And my husband said “Katie, that’s the mayor.” I was so impressed that he didn’t skip a beat and so genuinely responded to me like he had also known me for years.
A few months later, we went to a diner that has a big communal table in the middle of the dining room and there he was, sitting in the middle of the table. He was a man of the people who worked so hard for the people and cared about all of us as if we were his close friends and family. He will be greatly missed. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family.
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I am not a resident of Boston, not even Massachusetts but over the border in NH. Tom Menino’s official title may have been mayor of Boston, but I, along with most people in the region, always thought of him as the mayor of New England. It was Mayor Menino who was there on channel 5 whenever there was a crisis or triumph, rallying the people. I can’t think of another public figure who was able to do what he did, not just for Boston but for the whole New England area. His passing is a great loss to us all. Much thanks to his beautiful bride and children for sharing this great man with us.
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I couldn’t agree more!
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I will always be grateful for Mayor Menino’s support for struggling youth in the City of Boston and beyond. His support was evident at two alternative education schools that I have had the privilege of serving in, Greater Egleston Community High School and Boston Day and Evening Academy. When he appointed me to serve in the commission to set up the City of Boston Scholarship Fund, I was honored because he allowed us to ensure that this scholarship would be available for non-traditional students including adult learners. Mayor Menino, I thank you on behalf of so many students who were able to graduate from high school and continue their education, and moreover, follow your example of serving the city and their communities with honor, integrity and with justice at the core. My heart, prayers and gratitude will be forever with you and your family for allowing him to lead us with courage and true commitment.
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I am privledged to have known the Mayor, prior to his tenure, he was the father that often came to CM to collect his son, Tommy. He was the same Dad to a wonderful woman, Susan Menino Fenton, whom I grew up with. Most importantly he was the loving Husband to Angela. My thoughts are with you all!!
Sir, thank you for entrusting in me an opportunity to serve the same people of the greatest City in the World…..
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Red shirts of Boston. Thank You My Dearest Mayor Menino, it was my son at 14 first employment for Two summers that started his paid work life. Juan has such wonderful memories of your handshake, your personal jokes with him, and encouragement as a young Boston teen growing up. You’d be proud he is now a successful business man of 32, and we miss you. God bless you all, love you Mrs. Menino to all of the family, your former Hyde Park neighbors The Purdy Family.
We love you all, and are so proud of our beloved Boston Home sweet Home!
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To The Menino Family, I am so sorry for the loss of Mr. Menino. I had never met him but wished I had. My friend Sheila’s aunt ran a crime stoppers group in her neighborhood and Mayor Menino had attended the meetings. When Sheila’s aunt passed away, I was at the funeral in the back. I turned to look and there sitting quietly was the mayor. He came in to pay his respects and I thought that was amazing that he showed his care for Rita like that. No one knew he attended, I imagine. That is what I like the most about him. He was a simple man who just loved his city and worked for the best for her. I will miss him and as I said, I never met him. You could feel his presence in Boston. I hope that his spirit roams the streets of the city he loves. To him, I bet that would be heaven. There are people who are great men but they never really are known to the entire world. However they are still great. I think Mayor Menino was such a man. May he be resting in peace and may you be comforted.
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Thank you Mayor Menino for all you did for our great city. You will never be forgotten. Rest in eternal peace.
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Mayor Menino exemplified Christ’s words: “Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself”. Tom held no prejudices toward any group. I always admired the fact that he refused to march in the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade as long as the GLBT community faced discrimination from the organizers. And what fun it was to see our Mayor – THE PEOPLES’ MAYOR – participate in the annual GLBT Pride Parade each June. Tom, you were an inspiration to us all.
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My memory of Mayor Menino is seeing him several times front and center leading Boston’s Gay Pride Parades right down Boylston Street all the way to City Hall Plaza.
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Boston has truly lost a great leader and friend. I am extremely honored to have been a resident of Boston under the leadership of Mayor Thomas Menino. I remember meeting him as a new teacher at the Trotter School in 2004. One afternoon, as I was racing through the hallway to pick up my students from class, in my hurry I ran past someone without even realizing who it was. I heard someone say “hi!” to me; I turned around, and it was Mayor Menino! Of course, I stopped right away to talk with him (and to apologize for running by so quickly). He was so kind, and so down to earth, and it was such an honor to meet him. Mayor Menino impacted the city and the people of Boston in so many wonderful ways, and the city was transformed under his leadership. He will be missed very, very much. My love, prayers, and condolences go out to his family. May he rest in peace. Thank you, Mayor Menino, for all you have done for the city of Boston! We love you!!!
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My wife and I are saddened by news of Mayor Menino’s passing. We spent four nights in Boston at the end of 1997 as tourists from England. We loved everything about the place. So much so, that I wrote to the mayor on returning, to tell him how much we enjoyed his city and the friendliness of the people as we walked for miles every day feeling totally safe wherever we went. Shortly afterwards, I received a lovely letter from him saying he agreed and he “happened to think that it’s the greatest city in the world.” He went on to say that crime was the lowest it had been for decades as a result of collaboration among community organizations, residents, businesses and police and that “maybe that spirit of cooperation spills over into the friendliness and warmth you perceived among Bostonians.” I couldn’t honestly tell you the name of the mayor of another American city off the top of my head, but the affection shown by all since his death is an indication of why we do and will remember him in this household.
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You laughed, Mayor Menino, when I told you I was moving to Rhode Island to be closer to my in-laws, but then you understood family. It was honor and a privilege to be part of your administration so long ago, and I felt this every day. I remember all of this even more fondly now that so many seem to have forgotten what ‘public service’ truly means. You set the bar. You will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with your family, now.
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Dear Family and Friends of the Mayor, I am writing from Sligo, Ireland to let you know that I am with you in spirit today as you honor our dear friend. I am proud to have been one of the Mayor’s speechwriters, and to have played a small part in what was an amazing lifetime of service to the people of Boston. The Mayor was generous and loyal, and inspired generosity and loyalty in others. He had a good heart and loved his city. Thank you, Mayor. And may God bless you, your family, and friends. Sincerely, Rosalie O’Brien Kivlehan
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Although I lived in Boston for six years in the late sixties and early seventies, as a 68-yr old chauffeur, I now drive in and out of Boston usually about two or three times daily. I see the Mayor’s love of this city in the skyline, the seaport district and in a plethora of other uplifting venues throughout the city. I was born in Maine, live in NH, but feel a true kinship with the mayor because of his down-to-earth nature, yet as a visionary who has lovingly left his mark for the Ages in the seeds of growth he has planted. Godspeed, Mr. Mayor, and may you have eternal rest in God’s presence. Peace.
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For 20 years I have been privileged to observe Mayor Menino among the poor and homeless women our organization serves. He was real, he was compassionate, he was caring, and he was funny. He treated each person with dignity and respect. He found the good in their souls. His personal attention lifted their spirits. They talked about him as they would talk about a friend. They knew he and Angela were there for them. Yes, he could mingle with the famous and powerful, but he never forgot the people who struggle every day. God bless him and Angela, beautiful angels among us.
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May Bostons Greatest mayor rest in peace. For he will be missed.
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My youngest son and I met the Mayor twice in my sons life. The first time was when my son got the courage award,and I asked my son what was the Mayor saying to you. He said the Mayor said ” nice suit” and their is a picture in the paperwas whn eight men from eight different BPS schools represented themselves to a trip to China he sent them in style my son and I will never forget that you were a good person who cared and a Mayor who did what he could RIP
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