The people of Boston had a chance to say goodbye to their longest-serving mayor Monday as Tom Menino’s funeral procession wound throughout the city, past some of the places most important to him. WGBH Radio had reporters stationed throughout the route, beginning with Rupa Shenoy at Faneuil Hall, where Menino lay in state yesterday.
People crowded the steps surrounding City Hall and watched in solemn silence as Mayor Menino’s casket left Faneuil Hall in a hearse covered with flowers. Many sniffed back tears and waved green signs that said “Thank you Mayor Menino” as police cars with flashing lights drove by.
Cherie King said it felt like losing another family member. Like many, the occasion made her reminisce.
"For me it’s like bringing back when I lost my mom," she said. “I only met Menino once. And it wasn’t the best experience but you know, I was being aggressive because I was homeless at the time, and I was trying to get him to do better with the feeding of the homeless and the shelters. And I think he did the best he could with what he had.”
New York resident Rueben Richards wore a huge backpack as he stood in front of the large screen set up outside of City Hall to televise the procession and funeral.
“I left New York City at 2AM – the 2AM bus to get here today.”
Richards went to college in Boston, and says Menino inspired him.
“Menino was the last one to still keep working class rights going. I will never forget him. 6 And Menino taught me, I too can still be working class and run for office.”
Mayor Menino was a constant figure in Lisa Howard’s life.
“My whole life. Since I was a young girl. And my mother loved him.”
Howard was raised in Dorchester and now lives in the Beacon Hill area. She said she loved Menino and also respected him, because he seemed to do what he said he was going to do – and set an example for others to do the same.
“He talked the talk and he walked the walk. He was our best mayor ever. I miss him.”
And Howard said she wanted to be out honoring Menino to say thank you, one last time.
