ON FRANK MCCOURT

"A year or two ago, Frank McCourt [pictured right] and I were speaking at Adrian  Flannelly's annual St Patrick's Day party and radio show when Frank said, 'New York is such a lovely city. I was born here, and I'd like to die here too - in about 30 years.' Sadly, we lost Frank today, far too soon.

"Frank arrived in New York from Limerick with nothing and - like so many  Irish immigrants before him - worked to build a better life here. He shared his gift for teaching with thousands of New York City public school children, and when he retired, he shared his gift for storytelling with the world.  Frank's love for his students was matched only by the respect he had for his fellow teachers, and his success as a writer reflects the incredible talent that is found at the front of public school classrooms throughout the City.

   "Of all the great New York writers, few have captured the hearts of readers - and the heart of the City - as well as Frank.  Tonight, on behalf of the city he loved, I want to extend my deepest sympathies Frank's wife Ellen, his daughter Maggie, his brothers, and all his other loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with them."

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THOMPSON STATEMENT ON DEATH OF FRANK McCOURT

 New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. today issued the following statement concerning the death of Irish-American author Frank McCourt:

"I am saddened to learn of the death of Frank McCourt. An extremely talented and highly acclaimed writer, Frank opened his heart to people around the world by sharing his personal experiences through wonderfully crafted memoirs.

Frank's books offered a distinct narrative of the Irish-American experience. A New York City school teacher for many years, Frank gained respect and approval from his students by telling them about his impoverished childhood, which ultimately inspired him to write the memoir, Angela's Ashes.
I am certain that Frank's amazing life will continue to live on through his novels, and by those who remember him.

I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to his family and his friends, as well as his legions of fans and former students. I will mourn his loss along with many other New Yorkers.

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July 19, 2009

BP MARKOWITZ STATEMENT ON DEATH OF BROOKLYN NATIVE AND RENOWNED AUTHOR FRANK McCOURT

Brooklyn mourns the loss of Frank McCourt, one of our borough's favorite sons and a fellow Brooklyn College alumnus who rose from poverty to become one of our finest city school teachers and best-selling authors. With Angela's Ashes, he created a beautiful work of art by drawing on a childhood marked with the sort of adversity that few of us are ever forced to experience. Frank McCourt was a living, breathing example of what I call the 'Brooklyn attitude'--nothing held him back and no obstacle prevented him from reaching the zenith of his potential. On behalf of all Brooklynites, my deepest sympathies to his wife, daughter and all of his loved ones.

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