U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg Dies at 89

U.S. Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg, 89, died Monday morning, his office reports.

According to a statement from Lautenberg's press office, the New Jersey native succumbed to complications from viral pneumonia at 4:02 a.m. at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell.

, but promised that he was undergoing "a two-year mission to pass new gun safety laws, protect children from toxic chemicals and create more opportunities for working families in New Jersey."

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State Democratic leaders have long considered Lautenberg's seat as Cory Booker's to lose, and his announced intention to retire at the conclusion of this latest term did little to discourage that speculation.

The highlights of Lautenberg's career as an elected official included his work on public transit, environmental issues and gun control issues in New Jersey and on Capitol Hill. He was the only remaining World War II veteran in the U.S. Senate.

Lautenberg is survived by his wife, Bonnie Englebardt Lautenberg; six children, Ellen Lautenberg and Doug Hendel, Nan and Joe Morgart, Josh and Christina Lautenberg, Lisa and Doug Birer, Danielle Englebardt and Stuart Katzoff, Lara Englebardt Metz and Corey Metz; and 13 grandchildren.