Thousands of mourners braved the bitter New England weather Sunday morning, lining up outside Boston’s Faneuil Hall to pay their respects to the late Thomas Menino, the city’s longest-serving Mayor. The public wake was held three days after Menino died following a battle with cancer. Governor Deval Patrick, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Menino’s predecessor Ray Flynn were among dignitaries to attend. Menino’s family asked that the public not photograph him as he lay in a casket on stage in the historic hall.
A private funeral mass is planned for Monday at Most Precious Blood Parish in Hyde Park.
Following his passing, the website Tommenino.org was set up that shared the former mayor’s biography and information on his funeral arrangements. A quote by Menino heads the page, saying: “I will be very proud if I have changed our city in some ways that last.” Donations may be made through the website in lieu of flowers in support of Menino’s many programs.
Thousands turn out at Faneuil Hall to pay respects to Menino
Nicolaus Czarnecki/Metro
