David Gantt, the dean of the Rochester delegation to Albany and one of the state assembly's most influential members, died on Wednesday.

Assemblymember Gantt leaves behind decades of service to Rochester and a legacy that echoes on.

Former Mayor of Rochester, Bill Johnson said, “I think that he has left a profound legacy for this community.”

A legacy that started in 1960 as a volunteer for a presidential campaign — to his time in the Monroe County Legislature — to becoming an Assemblyman in 1983 as the first African-American from Monroe County elected to state office.

Johnson said, “he wasn’t in Albany to serve the interest of the rich and well-off, he grew up poor, his brothers and mother grew up poor, and he spent his whole life trying to change that balance, trying to bring equity, trying to eliminate disparities, trying to bring resources.”

Former Mayor Johnson said you can see the influence and work of David Gantt on the Northeast side of Rochester, where he pulled in a lot of resources.

One of those places is the Anthony L. Jordan Health Center, where Gantt was known as the “Godfather" for his deep involvement in championing the facility.

Janice Harbin, President and CEO of Jordan Health said, “he felt that Jordan Health should be one of the best health centers to support the, just grassroots needs of our community.”

Former Mayor Johnson says some people saw Gantt as tough, but deep down he was caring and compassionate.

Gantt was known for mentoring young people, taking them under his wing, and giving them opportunities to gain knowledge and skills...his most notable protégé is Mayor Lovely Warren.

Harbin said, “the legacy he leaves is that he was a fighter for this community, he continued to believe in the best that this city had to offer.”

Johnson added, “so my final salutation to him would be well done thou good and faithful servant.”