NEW YORK (AP) - A former New York City deputy mayor and real estate developer whose namesake plaza in Manhattan became the home base of the Occupy Wall Street movement has died. John Zuccotti was 78.
Zuccotti was the chairman of global operations at Brookfield Properties. Brookfield executive Ric Clark says in a statement issued Friday that Zuccotti died following a brief illness.
Zuccotti had worked for the company for more than 25 years. He also served as the city's first deputy mayor in the 1970s and held various other jobs in city and federal government.
Mayor Bill de Blasio (dih BLAH'-zee-oh) says he often turned to Zuccotti for advice. He says Zuccotti will be remembered for his spirit and commitment to the city.
Zuccotti is survived by his wife, three children and eight grandchildren.