because he was suddenly no longer the only one. in a bittersweet irony, his eldest son, andrew the current governor of new york was sworn in to a second term just hours before his father s death. he couldn t be here physically today, my father. but my father is in this room. he s in the heart and mind of every person who is here. he s here and he s here. and his inspiration and his legacy and his experience is what has brought this state to this point. so let s give him a round of applause. governor mario cuomo, a true american giant, was 82. he is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, matilda rafa cuomo, his five children including our cnn new day anchor chris, and 14 grandchildren. the constant of his life always