January 1, 2015 - Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo, 82, died of heart failure at his home in Manhattan. He had suffered a series of illnesses related to heart disease, including hospitalization as recently as November 2014. Cuomo served three terms as the 52nd Governor of New York, from 1983-1994. At the 1984 Democratic National Convention, he famously criticized Ronald Reagan's policies during his keynote speech, drawing national attention and recognition for his liberal views. He was considered a front-runner for the Democratic nomination for President in both 1988 and 1992, but he declined to seek nomination.

Cuomo leaves behind his wife, Matilda, to whom he was married for 60 years, and five children. His son, Andrew, was sworn in to his second term as the Governor of New York just hours before Cuomo's passing.