Friends and fellow politicians are offering condolences to the family of Mario Cuomo, who died Thursday at age 82, and praising the former New York governor as a man of integrity who left a lasting impact on the state.

"Mario Cuomo was absolutely committed to lifting people up," said Rep. Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland), who befriended Cuomo nearly 40 years ago when he was New York's secretary of state.

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, who lost to Cuomo's son Andrew in the 2014 governor's race, said, "He was a man of integrity and faith who worked every day to improve the lives of all New Yorkers. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Cuomo family during this difficult time."

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus issued a statement saying, "Gov. Mario Cuomo... left a lasting imprint on our great state and nation. Like others of my generation... the earliest memory I have of a New York governor is Mario Cuomo."

Even former political adversaries are remembering Cuomo's skilled leadership qualities. Al DelBello was the lieutenant governor that Cuomo found himself alongside in a "forced marriage" orchestrated by voters after Cuomo defeated DelBello's partner on the ticket. Looking back, DelBello says Cuomo's ability to communicate was undeniable.

Cuomo's funeral will be Tuesday at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola in New York City on Park Avenue.