BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Former New York Congressman John LaFalce has died at the age of 85, Erie County Democratic Chairman Jeremy Zellner confirmed to 7 News on Saturday.
He was born and raised in Buffalo and graduated from then Canisius College. He served in the United States Army during the war in Vietnam.
LaFalce spent over two decades as a U.S. Congressman, representing Western New York from 1975 to 200. Prior to that, he briefly served in the New York State Assembly and Senate.
"John was a great public servant, but an even greater human being," Former Erie County Democratic Chairman Len Lenihan said. "This is a big loss. John was a wonderful person and a great friend. We're going to miss being able to call him, asking him his view on things, getting his advice, not just about politics, but about life. He always felt it was a privilege and an honor to serve the public, and you've got a special responsibility to do that with integrity and do that well."
7 News met with LaFalce in 2024 when President Jimmy Carter died. The two worked on getting federal funding for Love Canal in the 1970s.
