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Political Leaders, Family & Friends Say Goodbye To Frank Conaway

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- City and state leaders gathered with family, friends and colleagues of Frank Conaway, Sr. Monday. The Baltimore City Clerk of Courts died a week ago in his sleep.

Political reporter Pat Warren has more on the service.

There was no shortage of clever things to say since most of them originated with Conaway himself.

There was his personal motto, "outstanding but improving," his reputation for overcoming defeat and his unbending beliefs.

"For me, he was my comeback kid," said Kweisi Mfume.

"As I sat here, I was trying to figure out one thing we agreed on but we know that agreement isn't what creates community. Unified commitment creates community," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

The Baltimore City Clerk of Courts died in his sleep. Frank Conaway Jr. remembers the support he got from their dad during their own runs for office.

"He said, `Well, guess what, if that's what they want, trouble, trouble's what they gonna get,' and that's what he did," Conaway Jr. said.

"Just want Baltimore loves best," said Councilmember Mary Pat Clark. "A David to challenge the Goliaths."

Conaway Sr. leaves a legacy as a politician, an activist and an icon.

Rawlings-Blake postponed Monday's scheduled State of the City address to avoid conflict with the service.

Maryland Senator Ben Cardin and Congressman Elijah Cummings were also among those attending the service.

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