The Catholic community in Brooklyn and Queens joins all New Yorkers in mourning the passing of Edward I. Koch, a compelling leader who became a symbol of New York City as its “mayor for life.”

He never forgot the common folk, even as he transcended to greatness and became a legend. He was as concerned about residents in the outer boroughs as much as he was for those in Manhattan. He brought New York City back from the brink of economic crisis and financial ruin, and managed to foster a sense of small town Americana in our big city.

A man who was proud of his Jewish faith, the last time I saw him was right before Christmas, at St. James Cathedral Basilica in Downtown Brooklyn for the Funeral Mass of his former Chancellor of Schools, Dr. Frank Macchiarola.

Mayor Koch recently again showed his support for Catholic Schools by backing a proposal for tax credits for parochial school parents.

Mayor Koch embraced everyone; let us embrace the memory he leaves us with.