“He made the city what it is today,’’ he said.
As tributes to White poured in from all corners of the city, Crane’s reflections offered a glimpse into White’s life outside of politics, and of his last days.
Crane said White had a great sense of humor and “loved to laugh,’’ but recalled his disappointment over being passed over for the vice presidential nomination in 1972.
“He would have liked that,’’ Crane said wistfully.
Crane last saw White two days after Christmas, and realized his friend of so many years had little time left.
“I knew I was saying goodbye,’’ he said. White no longer recognized him, he said, and his health was clearly failing.
As White’s dementia advanced, his wife, Kathryn, cared for him tenderly and tirelessly, Crane said.
“She devoted herself to him and him alone,’’ he said. “She made sure he never lost his dignity.’’
A public wake will be held today from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Parkman House on Beacon Street. A funeral Mass, which is also open to the public, will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow at St. Cecilia Church on Belvidere Street.
The funeral procession will pause at Faneuil Hall, where a bronze statue of White stands, and pass White’s home on Mount Vernon Street before arriving at St. Cecilia’s.
Governor Deval Patrick and Senators Scott Brown and John F. Kerry are expected to attend the service, said George Regan, a friend and former aide to White who is speaking on the family’s behalf.
Kerry met with Kathryn White yesterday at her Beacon Hill home, Regan said. The family planned to visit the funeral home yesterday before having dinner at a friend’s, Regan said.
Music at the service will include an organist, a choir, and a soloist. A Fire Department ladder truck in front of the church will display a large US flag, Regan said.
