Former U.S. Rep. John J. LaFalce, who represented three different Congressional districts in Western New York over 28 years has died. He was 85.
LaFalce, born on Oct. 6, 1939 in Buffalo was a graduate of Canisius High School and Villanova University.
A Democrat, LaFalce was first elected to the New York State Senate in 1971, then to the State Assembly in 1973 before starting 28 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served from 1975 to 2003.
Numerous local politicians issued statements on LaFalce’s passing, including Gov. Kathy Hochul:
Also issuing his thoughts was Sen. Chuck Schumer:
LaFalce is survived by his son, Martin, as well as his wife, Patricia.