Koch Left $100,000 To Secretary


Ed Koch left $100,000 to his secretary, according to details of his will released today.

Mary Garrigan, who began working for Koch in 1976, was named in the will alongside several members of the beloved former mayor’s family. Koch also left a sizable sum of money to an educational fund.

Ed Koch, a lifelong Democrat who reportedly described himself as a “liberal with sanity,” passed away last month after suffering congestive heart failure at the age of 88.

The former mayor’s will, filed today in Manhattan, reportedly details the division of $850,000 between the Koch family, his secretary, and the La Guardia and Wagner Educational Fund.

The majority of Koch’s estate was inherited by his sister Pat Thaler, and her husband. The couple reportedly received $500,000 in cash along with the majority of Koch’s personal belongings.

The La Guardia and Wagner Educational Fund was bequeathed $100,000 to be used toward what Koch reportedly described as “a program bearing my name to promote public and government service.”

In a show of gratitude for her decades long service, Koch left $100,000 to his secretary. Garrigan remained a loyal employee to Koch during his three terms as mayor of New York City. She continued working for him at his private law practice in Manhattan, retiring shortly before his death.

The former mayor’s niece and nephew, Joey Koch and Andrew Koch, each inherited $50,000, while Koch designated an additional $50,000 for his brother’s widow, Gail Koch.

The will, reportedly signed on November 15, 2007, also specifies that the New York Historical Society will receive certain photographs and documents belonging to the former mayor. Many of Koch’s personal papers were previously donated to the LaGuardia and Wagner Archives at LaGuardia Community College of the City University of New York.

Koch reportedly never earned more than $130,000 annually during his time as mayor. However, he incurred additional income through his law profession, speaking engagements, and successful book sales.

Although his wealth continued to accumulate, Koch was known to live a frugal lifestyle. He was private about his finances and lived in a rent-controlled New York apartment. At the time of his death, it is speculated that the value of Koch’s estate in its entirety reached over $10 million.

Are you surprised that Ed Koch left $100,000 to his secretary, Mary Garrigan?

[Images by Wikimedia Commons]

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