Mayor Menino and the Boston Foundation were partners in many initiatives to improve the lives of Bostonians, including the Food & Fuel Fund, the Boston Opportunity Agenda and Success Boston.

Boston Foundation staff and donors extend their condolences to the family of former Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, who passed away this morning. "One cannot look around this city without seeing the results of his 20 years of work as mayor," President and CEO Paul S. Grogan said in a statement released this afternoon. "From the revitalization of neighborhood squares, to the virtual elimination of blight, to programs for Boston youth, to the redevelopment of the long-neglected South Boston waterfront, no list could suitably capture the changes under his watch." 

But more important than the physical evidence of the former Mayor's impact was his devotion to the people of the city of Boston. "Mayor Menino understood that if you connected with people and addressed their issues, no matter how small, that those small pieces could add up to a remarkable and impressive whole," said Mr. Grogan, who first worked with Mr. Menino more than 30 years ago when the former Mayor was a city councilor and Mr. Grogan directed the city's Department of Neighborhood Development. "He was, as he proudly called himself, an 'urban mechanic,' and he understood that fixing the small problems was often the best way to get the engine running." 

"To his wife, Angela, his son and daughter, his six grandchildren and to all those who befriended, worked with, and got to know the Mayor during his life and career in public service, you are in our thoughts and prayers today," Mr. Grogan said. 

Read the full statement here.