LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Romano "Ron" Mazzoli, who served 12 terms representing Louisville in Congress, has died at age 89, just one day before his 90th birthday. 

What You Need To Know

  • Former U.S. Congressman Romano "Ron" Mazzoli died

  • He was 89 years old

  • Political leaders from both parties remembered Mazzoli

The former congressman died Tuesday morning at his Louisville home, the Courier Journal first reported. Mazzoli served in the House from 1971 through his retirement in 1995.

Mazzoli's death was confirmed by Congressman John Yarmuth (D), who offered his condolences in a statement issued shortly after news of Mazzoli's death broke, calling him "one of the most thoughtful and honorable public servants ever to serve the people of Louisville and Kentucky."

"For twelve terms he provided the people of our city constituent service with a smile, always going out of his way to do all that he could for those he was so proud to represent," Yarmuth said.

The federal office building on Martin Luther King Jr. Pl. in downtown Louisville bears Mazzoli's name. Yarmuth noted that was where he would often work from while in Louisville.

"Whenever I was unsure of a course of action, I asked, ‘What would Mazzoli do?’ His legacy will be one of compassion and kindness, and it was an absolute honor to call him my friend," Yarmuth said.

Kentucky House Democratic Caucus Leader Joni Jenkins released a statement saying, “Congressman Ron Mazzoli holds a special place in my heart because, when I was a young teenager, he was the first elected official I campaigned for.  My appreciation for him has only grown since then, because he truly personified a time where those on the other side of the political aisle were seen as friendly rivals, not mortal enemies.  As we mourn his passing, I pray his loved ones find solace in knowing his long legacy on behalf of Louisville and our country will endure.”  

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also released a statement on the passing of Mazzoli. He said, "Kentucky has lost a distinguished public servant and proud Louisvillian. Congressman Ron Mazzoli made a lasting and respectable impact on our country during his 24 years of service in the United States House of Representatives. Perhaps best known for his work on immigration reform, Congressman Mazzoli also reached across the aisle to defend the sanctity of life through a proposed Human Life Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Later in life, he dedicated himself to education, teaching law students at the University of Louisville and raising money to improve Kentucky’s parochial school system. I know I join with a chorus of former colleagues, students, and friends in saying he will truly be missed.  Elaine and I send our deep sympathies to his family and friends.”

Funeral plans are not known at this time.