Matilda Cuomo: Former NY Governor Mario Cuomo’s Wife

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Matilda Raffa Cuomo, was the wife of Mario Cuomo for 60-years. The couple produced five children and 14 grandchildren. Today we are sadden to hear about the death of her husband and former governor, Mario Cuomo at age 82.

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Matilda’s her husband died of heart failure on Jan First, just hours later after son’s, Andrew Cuomo inauguration for his own second term as New York governor.

The former First Lady of New York State, is well known figure, having served along her husbands’ side to the New Yorkers.

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In 1951, Matilda Raffa met Mario Cuomo, who was two years behind her brother at the law school.

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Andrew, Maria, Margaret, Madeline, and Christopher. Chris is currently a television journalist for CNN. Matilda’s son Andrew was married to Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy, for about fifteen years. Daughter Maria Cuomo Cole is married to famous fashion designer Kenneth Cole and daughter Margaret is an American radiologist, author, philanthropist, advocate, and blogger on health issues.

Daughter Madeline Cuomo is a lawyer specializing in matrimonial law, she worked as an associate at the firm of Shea & Gould in Manhattan; in 1993 she married Brian O’Donoghue.

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Matilda is also known for her work as the founder of the Child Advocacy Group Mentoring USA, due to her work with the program she has been described as one of the most active First Lady in New York State’s history.

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Mrs. Cuomo is also the recipient of numerous prestigious awards including The President’s Medal from New York University. She received the President’s Distinguished Service Award and the Pietas Medal from St. John’s University.