Numerous elected leaders and civic officials were among those assembled Oct. 31 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels to attend the funeral Mass of former Rep. Edward R. Roybal, one of the city's leading legislators for nearly half a century, whose example influenced (and led to the participation of) numerous Latinos in politics.

The Roybal family --- including his widow, --- were in attendance to hear many words of praise and affection for the longtime Congressman, who died Oct. 24 at age 89 of respiratory failure. Speakers at the funeral Mass lauded Roybal for his work as an advocate for the Latino community, as well as for the poor, elderly and disabled, and many (including Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa) traced their entry into politics to Roybal's example.

Born in New Mexico, Roybal grew up in Boyle Heights, attended UCLA and Southwestern Law School, and served in the Army during World War II. He was elected to the Los Angeles City Council in 1949, representing East Los Angeles, and served until 1962 when he was elected to the House of Representatives for the 25th District, the first Hispanic from California to serve in the House. He retired in 1992 after 30 years, to be succeeded by his daughter.