Christie praises ex-NY Gov. Mario Cuomo, dead at 82

Former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo has died, according to reports by the New York Daily News and New York Times, and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has issued a statement noting his passing.

Cuomo, father of current New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and CNN correspondent Chris Cuomo, was 82, and suffering from a heart ailment, according to the Daily News. His death came shortly after his son's inauguration for a second term, which the former governor was too ill to attend, the newspaper reported.

Christie called the elder Cuomo "a giant," adding "He was a strong, eloquent leader who loved New York and its people. As an Italian-American, he was also a role model for future generations that anything was possible through hard work and education. Finally, he was a great husband, father and grandfather. Mary Pat and I send our deepest condolences to Matilda, Governor Andrew Cuomo and the entire Cuomo family."

Mario Cuomo was elected governor of New York in 1982 and re-elected twice.