Tom Menino, Boston's longest-serving mayor, died on Thursday following a long battle with cancer. He was 71.

Tom Menino Dies

“At just after 9 a.m. this morning the Honorable Thomas M. Menino passed into eternal rest after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his devoted wife Angela, loving family and friends,” Menino spokeswoman Dot Joyce said in a statement.

Menino, who served five consecutive terms in City Hall, retired in January after serving more than 20 years in office. He became acting mayor in 1993 when sitting mayor Raymond L. Flynn was appointed ambassador to the Vatican by President Bill Clinton. He went on to win the election in the fall of that year and never came close to losing an election during his tenure.

In March 2013, Menino announced that he would not be seeking reelection, as his questionable health had worsened. Thoughout his run as mayor, he'd faced two bouts of cancer and had broken a leg among other ailments. In February of this year, Menino learned that he had an advanced form of cancer that had already spread to his liver and lymph nodes. Last week, Menino announced that he would no longer be receiving chemotherapy and other treatments for his cancer and would be cutting short his book tour for the memoir that was published earlier this month.

"While I continue to fight this terrible disease, I feel it is time for me to spend more time with my family, grandkids, and friends," Menino said in an Oct. 23 statement. “I am hopeful and optimistic that one day the talented researchers, doctors, and medical professionals in this city will find a cure for this awful disease."

The city politician added, "Angela and I are grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support and kindness shown to our family and ask that everyone keep us in their thoughts and prayers."

As mayor, Menino made it his mission to know the constintuents of the city he served, going to all the local neighborhood events he was able to attend. The popular politician built up Boston's skyline and its tech community, and managed to avoid massive budget cuts during the recession in 2008. Menino also stood firmly for equality and keeping Boston strong and united.

“We are one Boston,” Menino said in the first press conference after the Boston Marathon attacks in 2013. “No adversity, no challenge, nothing can tear down the resilience in the heart of this city and its people.”

Menino is survived by his wife, Angela; his daughter, Susan; and his son, Thomas Jr.