Patrick Kennedy: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Joe Moakley, who was a wonderful man and a great leader for his constituents of…”

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Joe Moakley, who was a wonderful man and a great leader for his constituents of Massachusetts and for our Nation. He was an easy-going, good-hearted gentleman with a great sense of humor that I will always treasure. As the dean of the New England Congressional delegation and the ranking member of the House Rules Committee, Joe wielded a great deal of power. Yet when you were in his presence, you never felt out of place because he made you feel so comfortable and at ease. Joe Moakley is a House colleague that I have always tried to emulate. Despite his seniority in Congress, he was an 'ordinary Joe' and a true man of the people. Spending a half-hour with Joe Moakley was a great way to get a lesson in old style politics, the politics of the people. And he always said it the way it was . . . Joe always got right to the point. When I talked to him a few weeks ago, he wasn't pondering his imminent death. Instead, he was celebrating his great life. It was terrific these past several weeks that Joe had the opportunity to enjoy many tributes to him. So many people from all walks of life had the chance to tell him how much he really meant to all of us. I know that Joe is already on the fast track to heaven. He was a treasure to the House and one of the most effective legislators this chamber has had the fortune to have. We wish him farewell, and keep his family and friends in our prayers.”