Ed Koch died, colorful former New York City mayor was 88

Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch — a combative, three-term leader largely credited with saving the city from dire financial straits — died early Friday morning at the age of 88.

Mr. Koch suffered various health problems in the past 20 years, according to The Associated Press.

Spokesman George Artz said he passed at 2 a.m. and the funeral is set for Monday, according to the media report.

Mr. Koch was known as a feisty leader. His signature phrase, the AP reports: “How’m I doing?”

Another of his famous lines, according to the AP: “You punch me, I punch back. I do not believe it’s good for one’s self-respect to be a punching bag.”