SCRANTON -- The funeral mass for James Barrett McNulty was held Monday morning at a church in Scranton's hill section.
Hundreds turned out to pay their respects to the former mayor.
"Our hearts are aching today. We feel it physically. We feel it deeply because Scranton has lost a hero," said Fr. Joseph Sica.
One after another, mourners paid tribute to a former city leader, Scranton Mayor James Barrett McNulty.
"I'm going to cry and I don't want to," said Barbara Marinucci. "He was a great mayor, a good friend. He was a gentleman."
McNulty lost his battle with cancer last Wednesday. He was 71 years old.
He led Scranton for one term back in the 1980s.
Those close to Mayor McNulty came to Immaculate Conception Church on Taylor Avenue in Scranton to say their final goodbyes to a man they claim was "dedicated to his city."
"Everybody knew him and the thing that Jimmy really did for us is that he made us feel important. He never made us seem like a second-class city," said former Scranton Mayor Jim Connors.
During his reign as mayor, McNulty was always seen with a red rose.
He bought those roses from Paul McGloin who owns a flower shop in Scranton. McGloin spoke to us about losing his friend.
"He would call me in the morning and say he needed 200 roses for 12 o'clock, or whatever the case. But you know what? It was an honor to do it. You know, I've never seen a man who loved the city of Scranton more than this guy. I tell you he was a true friend to the city and to everyone who knew him," said McGloin.
Before McNulty was brought to his final resting place, the funeral procession drove by City Hall in Scranton.
McNulty's wife Evie then placed one of his signature roses on the steps of the place he called home many years ago.
"Jim's life was cut short but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and thousands of Scrantonians," Fr. Sica added.
