The family of the late Ivan Allen, Jr. has chosen to honor their loved one in a private manner. Out of respect for their wishes, Mayor Franklin will not hold a news conference, however, she has issued the following statement on the passing of the Honorable Ivan Allen, Jr.
ATLANTA MOURNS THE LOSS OF ANOTHER GREAT LEADER
In the last two weeks the City of Atlanta has lost two great leaders. Today former Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. passed away at the age of 92. He leaves a long and significant legacy for the residents of Atlanta and the entire state of Georgia. Beginning in 1960, during his first term in office, Allen was at the forefront of bringing economic prosperity and racial equality to Atlanta.
I am deeply saddened to see yet another leader of Atlanta pass away at a time in which Atlanta is making enormous strides to become the greatest city in the country. During his time in office, Mayor Allen made great contributions to the City of Atlanta such as leading efforts to attract the Atlanta Braves and to build Atlanta Fulton County Stadium, to create MARTA, and to establish the first International air routes departing from Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport. This City of Atlanta has suffered a great loss, and Atlanta has lost a wonderful friend, with the death of this exceptional man. On behalf of the residents of the City of Atlanta, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to his family.
City of Atlanta flags have been lowered to half-mast as we celebrate the life and legacy of Ivan Allen, Jr.
Click here to sign the Guest Book for Ivan Allen, Jr.