Ed Koch Dead -- Former Mayor of New York Dies at 88

Ed Koch -- one of the most popular mayors in New York City history -- died early this morning at the age of 88.

Koch had been hospitalized earlier this month for a lung ailment. He was also hospitalized last September for anemia and battled pneumonia last December.

Koch served in the United States House of Representatives from 1969-1977 and three terms as mayor of New York City from 1978-1989. He's credited with rescuing the city from dire financial straits during his time in charge.

He once described himself by saying, "I'm the sort of person who will never get ulcers. Why? Because I say exactly what I think. I am the sort of person who might give other people ulcers."

After his time in office, Koch served as a judge on "The People's Court" from 1997-1999.

Koch was never married and has no children.