National and local figures remember Bob Graham

Community By Linda Trischitta, Editor Friday, May 3, 2024

“Bob Graham was a colleague, friend, and devoted Floridian whose nearly 50 years of service to his beloved home state and to our country have made America a safer and stronger nation. ... He and I served together in the U.S. Senate, as respective chairs of the Intelligence and Foreign Relations committees in the wake of 9/11, working to heal a shattered nation and to protect America in a changing world.”  President Joe Biden Full remarks on WhiteHouse.gov.

“Bob Graham was a friend and a consummate public servant. As a governor, senator, and legislator, he spent decades fighting for the people of Florida. He was also a champion of the environment, which is why, after the BP oil spill, I asked Bob to co-chair a commission tasked with preventing a disaster of that magnitude from ever happening again. Michelle and I are thinking of Bob’s family today, and everyone who knew and loved him.”  Former President Barack Obama

“Bob Graham…One of America’s finest public servants, Adele’s cherished husband and a devoted father and grandfather has left us for his celestial home. He strongly believed that “a public office is a public trust”. What a legacy! Godspeed Bob Graham.” Former Sen. Bill Nelson, 14th NASA Administrator

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the esteemed former U.S. Senator and Governor of Florida, Bob Graham. His profound dedication to the Sunshine State and his pivotal role in shaping Miami Lakes into the thriving city it is today has left an indelible mark.” U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Doral

“Florida Governor Bob Graham was a true trailblazer and a common-sense voice who worked across the aisle to deliver results for our Sunshine State.” U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Miami

“It was with the deepest respect and sadness that I learned of the passing of Senator Bob Graham: a patriotic American and a great Member of the United States Senate. Paul and I extend our sympathy to his entire family, with gratitude for his distinguished public service.”  U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco

“My heart goes out to the Graham family as they mourn the loss of Governor and Senator Bob Graham. He was an exemplary public servant and advocate for all Floridians. May he rest in peace. His legacy in Florida will live on forever.” U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Miami Gardens

“Bob Graham was a genuine and decent man. In any direction, his legacy pulses through Florida and anyone who calls it home. I was so fortunate to get to know him, to share our mutual love for our alma mater, the University of Florida, and to spend time listening to the nuggets of his vast experience and absorb his lessons whenever possible.” U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston

“Bob Graham was a selfless public servant, whose legacy and impact will live on. From his days in the state House to his days in the governor’s mansion and the U.S. Senate, Bob Graham always understood whom he served. It was a core value, one that he lived out even after he retired from public service. Florida, and the nation, lost a very good man. Jeanette and I are praying for Adele, their kids, and the entire Graham family.” U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Miami

“Bob Graham was a good man and a great Floridian who dedicated his life to our state. His legacy will live forever, not because of any title he held, but for what he did with those opportunities to improve Florida and the lives of families in the Sunshine State.” Former Fla. Gov., current U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Naples

“Florida mourns the loss of former Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham today. He was a devoted public servant who, among other important work, made enormous achievements in conserving Florida’s natural resources. We are grateful for his service to our state and nation. May he rest in peace.” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis 

“Senator Bob Graham emerged from our university with a heart for public service. He prized finding common ground rather than sowing division — and he was a champion of democracy and civic engagement.”  University of Florida President Ben Sasse

“Florida and our country has lost a great public servant. Bob Graham served Floridians with a servants heart, with integrity and with civility. Columba and I are praying for the Graham family.” Former Fla. Gov. Jeb Bush

“Florida is mourning the loss of our great statesman, Senator and Governor Bob Graham — a man who inspired a generation of Floridians to work together, work hard, and always work for what’s right. Our hearts and prayers are with the Graham family today and always. May his legacy be our guide.” Former Fla. Gov. Charlie Crist

     “I am deeply saddened to learn of Senator Bob Graham’s passing. He was not only a great friend and mentor, but also a role model whose dedication to public service inspired so many. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. May his legacy live on through the lives he touched.” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava

“Incredibly sad to learn about the passing of Governor Bob Graham. He was a true public servant that loved Florida and so many Floridians loved him back. Grateful for all he did for our state. His memory and service will be cherished for decades to come.” Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody  

“My family and I send our deepest condolences to the Graham family on the passing of Senator Graham.” Fla. Rep. Tom Fabricio, R-Miami Lakes

“Bob Graham was many things - Governor, Senator, father, husband, statesman, a lifelong friend, and so much more. Above all else, Bob Graham was a kind and decent human being who, through his signature workdays and policy platforms, uplifted the plight of everyday working people. Florida would be better off if there were more like Governor Graham. His servant leadership - and friendship - will be greatly missed.” Fla. Sen. Lauren Book, D-Davie

“This hurts. Bob Graham was the best of Florida. Ethics. Environment. Diversity. People. Without Bob Graham, there would be no Chief Justice Leander Shaw. And it was the honor of a lifetime for me to campaign by his side. Thank you Governor. Florida weeps for you.” Former Fla. Rep. Sean Shaw, D-Tampa

“Former Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham was a giant. As one of the greatest Floridians, he was a role model for me and countless others who aspired to elective office. His legacy of service will endure forever. ...”  Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg

“The Town of Miami Lakes community mourns the passing of Senator Bob Graham. A key member & figure of our town’s history, his leadership and service will be celebrated long after his passing. Our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones during this difficult time.” The Town of Miami Lakes

“Saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, former U.S. Senator & Governor Bob Graham. When I won a seat on the Miami Lakes Town Council in 2012, he was one of the first people to call me.  ... He was a great man who will be sorely missed in our community and around the USA. ...” Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid

“Rest in peace to a giant in Florida politics and who was a central figure in establishing the town I’ve grown up in and love—the Town of Miami Lakes. Always stayed a gentleman throughout his life. Goodbye to a Governor and Senator both parties revered.” Miami Lakes Councilman Josh Dieguez

“I was saddened to hear of the passing of the greatest public servants our town, state and country has ever known. Bob Graham defined what it meant to be a public servant and serve with class, dignity and humanity. His list of accomplishments is innumerable, and his legacy left an indelible mark on our community. His presence will be missed, but he continues to serve as an inspiration to all of those of us in public service.”  Miami Lakes Councilman Tony Fernandez

“I’m saddened by the death of Bob Graham. Like countless Floridians, my family got help from his constituency office. As an adult, I got to thank him. He represented our state w/joy, dedication, civility and dignity. Sadly for Florida and America, they don’t make them like him anymore.” Political pundit, contributor on “The View” Ana Navarro-Cardenas

“Former U.S. Senator Bob Graham of Florida was a great statesman and leader. May he rest in peace.” Democratic political strategist Donna Brazile