Charles B. Rangel Died Monday at 94Leaving behind a larger than life inheritance to Harlem, his birthplace and his longtime house, which he represented at the Congress for more than four decades.
For the veterans, the friends and residents of Harlem who met on Monday for a Memorial Day lunch at the American Legion Post 398, a few pâtés from his home, he was just Charlie: a member of the legion of the legion post, a political power that has always been accessible to its voters.
Nadine Pittman, a long-standing member of the American Legion and Harlem resident for life, described Mr. Rangel as “earth-to-terre with the people”.
“He would take the time and speak to you,” said Ms. Pittman. “I loved him as a person.”
Mr. Rangel retired as a ninth longest member in continuous service in the House of Representatives of American history. He was part of a quartet of venerable Harlem politicians known as the gang of four.
Mr. Rangel was born and grew up in Harlem and frequented the secondary school Dewitt Clinton in the Bronx until he abandoned to join the army in 1948. He fought during the Korean War and received a bronze star for Valor after driving his entirely black unit in terms of security.
Mr. Rangel was elected in 1966 to the State Assembly. In 1970, he was elected to the congress, overthrowing Adam Clayton Powell Jr., longtime holder.
