Former Manhattan State Assemblyman Denny Farrell has died, the governor's office said Saturday.
"I am heartbroken by the passing of my friend, mentor and partner-in-government Denny Farrell. Denny was a compassionate leader, a brilliant political mind and a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on New York politics," Cuomo said in a statement. "Denny also believed in my father when others did not, and he took me in when I was a 23-year-old campaign manager for my father. And he continued to be an inspiration for me throughout my career."
Herman Farrell's cause of death has not been confirmed at this time.
The former chair of the New York state Assembly's Ways and Means Committee had served in the legislature for more than four decades before he retired last September. He was first elected in 1974.
"Always quick with a story and generous with his time, Denny was a humble public servant but someone who authored some of the most consequential laws in New York," Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said in a statement.
Condolences from elected officials throughout New York state have been pouring in:
Flags at all state government buildings will be at half-staff Tuesday in honor of Farrell, the governor's office said.