The city of Philadelphia lost a political staple on Friday with the death of Thacher Longstreth.
Longstreth, a member of City Council and former Chamber of Commerce president, succumbed to what is believed to be a pulmonary embolism in a Florida hospital early Friday morning.
The so-called political institution, who had been suffering recently from Parkinson's disease and mild dementia, died at the age of 83. The cause of the embolism is speculated to have been a blood clot in his leg that broke free and lodged in his lungs. He was reportedly taken to the hospital Thursday afternoon after complaining of breathing troubles.
Remembered fondly for his sense of humor and dedication to the city of Philadelphia, several politicians have reflected on the life of Longstreth not only as a colleague but as a friend.
"For over five decades, [Thacher] Longstreth had a positive impact on the lives of the people of Philadelphia," Governor Ed Rendell said in a statement Friday. "Whether through his leadership at the Chamber of Commerce, his campaigns for mayor or his many years of service on City Council, [Thacher] was always a voice fighting to do the right things to make Philadelphia a better city."
"During his six terms on the City Council and nearly 20 years as head of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, [Longstreth] was involved in every major project and every significant issue facing this city for half a century," Mayor John Street said in a statement Friday.
"Thacher consistently brought honor and distinction to council during his tenure," City Council President Anna Verna said in a statement Friday. "His council colleagues will always remember his good humor and, of course, his singing accolades recognizing our birthdays and special events."
Longstreth spent much of his life in public service. After graduating from Princeton University in 1941, he joined the Navy in 1942 and served through the end of World War II, receiving a Bronze Star for Bravery in Action. After nearly 20 years of presiding over the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Longstreth was six times elected to the City Council and twice unsuccessfully ran for mayor.
Recently, Longstreth had been embroiled in a battle between his family and Melanie Hopkins, his fiancee of two years and chief of staff since 1996, over custody of his estate following allegations that Hopkins was abusing him.
But despite the recent controversy, Verna and others believe that he will be better remembered for his public service.
"I know that Philadelphians will remember Thacher Longstreth not for these last few difficult months, but for a lifetime of distinguished and selfless service on their behalf," Verna said.
