Archbishop Timothy Dolan and Edward Cardinal Egan each released a statement mourning the passing of former State Senator John Marchi.

Archbishop Dolan:

"Senator John Marchi was a man of great gifts which he consistently and tirelessly used to meet the needs of the people of Staten Island and the entire State of New York. While I regret that I did not have the opportunity to meet him personally, I have already learned of his reputation as a man of principle and faith who became one of the longest serving legislators in the history of our nation. His family and his friends have my sympathy and prayers as they mourn the loss of this outstanding Catholic gentleman"

Cardinal Egan:

"This afternoon I learned of the passing of one of the most distinguished citizens of Staten Island, Senator John Marchi. Ever since I first came to New York in 1985, I have been an admirer of this extraordinary Catholic gentleman. He was a legislator of ourstanding wisdom and courage. He served the people of Staten Island and all of the State of New York most effectively and always with total dedication to the highest ideals of our nation and the Catholic faith which he loved so dearly. To all of his family and multitude of friends I express my heartfelt sympathy and assure especially his beloved wife and children that I will celebrate Mass for the repose of his soul during the coming week and keep him in my prayers in the years that lie ahead."