Following the death of former Gov. Mario Cuomo Thursday, there has been an outpouring of sentiment from those in New York political life who remember him.

His son, current New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who was with his father yesterday, today ordered that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of the former governor.

“I am saddened to learn of the death of our former governor, Mario Cuomo,” said Sen. Joe Griffo (R-Rome) who represents the 47th Senate District, which includes the towns of Massena, Brasher, Norfolk, Stockholm, Potsdam, Pierrepont, Russell, Clifton, Fine, and Pitcairn in St. Lawrence County, plus Lewis and Oneida counties.

“I got to know Mario during his last term as governor, which coincided with my first term as mayor of Rome,” Griffo said. “I was always impressed with his intellect, his love for the Empire State and his talent for delivering memorable speeches.

“Mario was a dedicated public servant with a seemingly unyielding work ethic. I remember him calling me when our city sustained damage during a storm. I returned his call late at night, and was surprised to hear Mario’s voice on the other end of the line. He was working. When we had issues or challenges, the governor did his best to become interested and involved.

“New York has suffered a great loss .... I extend my condolences and my deepest sympathies to Governor Mario Cuomo’s family: his wife, Matilda, and his five children,” Griffo said.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman said Monday that it “is a sad day for all New Yorkers. In addition to being one of our state's truly great governors, he was an inspiration for generations of New Yorkers who answered the call to service in response to his vision of fairness and equality for all of us.

“I would not be involved in New York politics were it not for Mario Cuomo,” Schneiderman said. “He is, and will always remain, one of my heroes. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. I hope that they will take comfort in the fact that he will be missed and mourned by millions, including the countless New Yorkers whose lives he forever bettered.”

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli called Cuomo one of the state’s greatest leaders.

“I had the privilege to serve in the state Legislature while he was governor, and I admired his love of public policy, politics and people.

“He was tenacious about the issues he was passionate about and was a truly gifted orator. The Democratic Party was stronger because of his leadership on a national level. My heartfelt condolences to his wife Matilda, Governor Andrew Cuomo and the entire Cuomo family.”

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said “I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of former Governor Mario Cuomo. His outstanding service to our state and his commitment to the ideals that founded our nation inspired a new generation to devote their lives to public service.

“I learned from Governor Cuomo's example, and his extraordinary legacy will continue to guide my own work on behalf of New Yorkers. I will always be grateful for his wisdom and generosity.

“Governor Cuomo will be remembered as one of the great, inspirational leaders of our time. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Cuomo family,” Gillibrand said.

The 52nd governor of New York State, Mario Cuomo served from 1983 through 1994. He was credited by many with simultaneously improving the business environment of New York and the quality of life for its citizens, despite a national recession at the time.