SAUGERTIES, N.Y. -- A funeral was held at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Saugerties Wednesday for former Congressman and environmental advocate Maurice Hinchey, who died last week at the age of 79.

Hinchey's 20 years in Congress, from 1993-2013, included work to get PCBs out of the Hudson River.

Ulster County Executive Mike Hein was among those who honored Hinchey's legacy.

"What we have seen over the last few days and really over the last few decades is everybody has a personal story about how Maurice impacted their [lives], whether it be national figures, or whether it be every-day citizens. He simply cared," said Hein.

While in office, Hinchey also helped secure funds for the Walkway over the Hudson.