Former President Invoice Clinton, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Home Democratic Chief Hakeem Jeffries remembered former U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel’s sharp wit, relentless advocacy for Harlem and extraordinary lifetime of public service throughout a funeral Mass for the late congressman in Manhattan on Friday.
Rangel, a pioneering congressman and veteran of the Korean Conflict, died on Could 26 the age of 94.
Former President Invoice Clinton speaks through the funeral for former U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., at New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photograph/Richard Drew)
The mass, held on the historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral, got here a day after Rangel’s physique lay in state at New York Metropolis Corridor, an honor bestowed to solely a handful of political figures, together with U.S. presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant.
Clinton, who referred to as Rangel one of the crucial efficient members to ever serve in Congress, recalled the congressman’s insistence on steering a crucial financial program to his Harlem district when Clinton was president, serving to to decrease unemployment there.
“I don’t think I ever knew a happier warrior than Charlie Rangel,” Clinton mentioned.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan blesses the physique of former U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., throughout his funeral at New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photograph/Richard Drew)
Rangel served in Congress for almost 5 many years, changing into a dean of the New York congressional delegation and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, in addition to being the primary first African American to chair the highly effective Methods and Means Committee. Earlier than his time on Capitol Hill, he earned a Purple Coronary heart and a Bronze Star for his army service within the Korean Conflict.
Jeffries, the Home Democratic Chief, advised the group on the mass that “America is better off today because of his service” and mentioned, as a younger congressman, that the legendary Rangel would merely name him Jeff.
U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries speaks through the funeral for former Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., at New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photograph/Richard Drew)
“Now, Charlie Rangel would often call me Jeff. I believe it was short for Jeffries. But I never confirmed that. ‘Cause this was Charlie Rangel, and so you go with the flow,” Jeffries mentioned, smiling.
Hochul referred to as Rangel “a giant in American life” and mentioned she would transfer to rename a avenue in Harlem after the late congressman, who was generally referred to as “Lion of Lenox Avenue.” She thanked the attendees who got here to the mass “not to mourn Charlie, but to celebrate an extraordinary life.”
NY Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks through the funeral for former Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., at New York’s St.Patrick’s Cathedral, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photograph/Richard Drew)
Initially Printed: June 13, 2025 at 3:34 PM EDT
