Walsh: Menino is ‘fixing potholes in heaven’

Tom Menino, the Boston’s longest serving mayor, was remembered at this funeral mass today as a urban mechanic who shaped this city and inspired countless lives in his hometown.

His successor, current Mayor Marty Walsh, told those in Menino’shome parish in Hyde Park, “Tom Menino believed in underdogs. He knew what it was to be underestimated.”

Walsh described his predecessor as a “relentless, people-loving urban mechanic” who “has gone to fix potholes in heaven.”

He recalled Menino’s last bit of mayoral advice: “You will be a great mayor as long as you will take care of the people​.”

​Gov. Deval Patrick also eulogized Menino, saying “he always had time for everybody.”

“He had a keen sense that attention paid to them could and would make a difference,” said the governor.

Patrick also conveyed the last bit of advice Menino gave him: “Don’t let the knuckleheads get you down.”

Menino’s funeral procession wound its way from Faneuil Hall toMost Precious Blood Parish in Hyde Park this morning, passingCity Hall, Parkman House, Boston University in Kenmore Square, Fenway Park, Dudley Square, Grove Hall, Franklin Park, Bowdoin and Geneva, Mattapan Library and Roslindale Square.

Crowds lined the route. Some well-wishers held thank you placards.

Among those in attendance at the funeral mass were Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State John Kerry, Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren and former Gov. William Weld, among other political luminaries.

Meninodied last week, shortly after ceasing his cancer treatment.