Longtime Massachusetts congressman Moakley dies

BETHESDA, Maryland -- Congressman Joseph Moakley, 74, died Monday of complications of leukemia at National Naval Medical Center.

"The world is gonna miss Joe Moakley; I already do," said fellow Massachusetts Democrat Rep. James McGovern, who once served as the congressman's press secretary and announced Moakley's death.

The Boston native had been admitted to the hospital a week ago, and he took a turn for the worse over the weekend. He died at 3:30 p.m. Monday with family members, friends and staff aides at his side.

Moakley announced February 12 that he had an incurable form of leukemia and would not seek a 16th term in the House.

President Bush called for a moment of silence in Moakley's honor Monday at a Memorial Day event in Mesa, Arizona.

VIDEO CNN's Bill Delaney looks back on the life of U.S. Congressman Joseph Moakley (May 28) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

"Joe loved America," Bush said. "He will be sorely missed."

Added Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy: "Joe embodied the highest ideals and values of the nation, and public service is a more noble profession because of his life and his example."

John Joseph Moakley was born April 27, 1927, and worked as an attorney before starting his political career.

A protege of the late House Speaker Tip O'Neill, Moakley was a proud, liberal Democrat, an old-style politician fond of backroom deals and steering as many federal dollars back to his district as he could.

A Navy veteran, Moakley was elected to the House in 1972 and served as chairman of the powerful House Rules Committee from 1989 to 1994.

The Democrat had been plagued by health problems over the years. He had undergone a liver transplant, and had a kidney removed and his right hip replaced.

Moakley considered retiring from the House in 1994, when his health began to fail and his wife, Evelyn, was suffering from a brain tumor. She died later that year.

Just two weeks ago, Moakley spoke affectionately about his time in Congress.

"I've enjoyed every minute that I've spent here. Members on both sides of the aisle, I began my career 50 years ago as a state representative from South Boston ... And, as I've said before, if the Almighty God would come down from the heavens and say, 'Joe Moakley, you've been a good public servant, I'm going to appoint you to any position you want,' I would say, 'God, let me stay where I am. I love it.' "

Moakley was an advocate for human rights in Latin America, leading a 1989 congressional probe of the slaying of six Roman Catholic priests, their housekeeper and her daughter in El Salvador. Moakley's report implicated several high-ranking Salvadoran military officials and contributed to the cancellation of U.S. military aid to El Salvador.

Moakley was working "up until the very end," McGovern said, attending to constituent work and signing mail "up until he couldn't do it anymore."

McGovern paid tribute to his mentor's dignity in his fight against cancer.

"Joe Moakley not only taught us how to live, he taught us how to die, with great class and great dignity and even a little humor," McGovern said. "He's really an incredible person and all of us feel a great loss."