LOS ANGELES – Upon learning of former U.S. Representative Edward R. Roybal’s death late last night, Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA-31) issued the following statement:
“A family mourns, friends grieve, and a thankful electorate remembers this gentle giant. Ed Roybal has earned his place in the history books of our great nation. A public servant in every sense of the descriptor, Ed Roybal will be a man I forever remember as a strong, steady, and dignified voice for working men and women.
“Though he earned the respect of his colleagues in Washington and garnered much political success during his three decades in our nation’s capital, Congressman Roybal’s principal enjoyment came from his countless walks around the neighborhoods of his district, where he would drop in to share coffee with a local merchant or visit constituents at their homes. Ed Roybal was a leader grounded in the values of family and home. He and Lucille, his partner and strength, gave Angelinos and the blossoming Latino community wonderful role models.
“When you think about the fight against AIDS and Alzheimer’s, do you think of Ed Roybal? You should, because he was among the first champions battling with essential weapons – significant funding for research – to combat these diseases. At the time, most politicians wouldn’t even touch the sensitive subject of AIDS/HIV. Do you remember that Ed Roybal was the face for seniors’ rights as chairman of the Select Committee on Aging?
“Congressman Roybal also felt the sting of discrimination in his past, so he always fought for a better tomorrow. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Institute for Applied Gerontology at California State University, Los Angeles, and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials all owe their origins and records of success to Ed Roybal.
“Respected and cherished by his family, friends and colleagues, Edward Roybal has left an indelible mark on American government. Carolina, my wife, and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the beloved Mrs. Lucille Roybal, dear friend and colleague Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, Lillian Roybal-Rose, and Ed Roybal, Jr. and all the Roybal loved ones. We will miss Edward R. Roybal, and we will celebrate his life. And what a great American life it has been. May he be granted eternal peace.”
Congressman Roybal represented the people of California’s 30th Congressional District from 1963 to 1993. Upon his retirement, this icon of Los Angeles politics supported then-Assemblymember Xavier Becerra for election to the 30th Congressional District seat. The two have been close ever since, the elder statesman serving as both friend and mentor to his successor. Congressman Roybal is survived by his wife, Lucille; his daughter, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, who is in her seventh term representing California’s 34th District; his daughter, Lillian Roybal-Rose; and his son, Edward R. Roybal, Jr.
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