The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-04-13
City Stunned By
 Roosevelt's Death
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(Ccntinued ical times. Stranger turned to stranger last night and talked and without realizing it groped for mu- tual assurances that everything would turn out all right.
 This writer met a man last night, stranger, who carried dinner pail and without introduction with out preface of any kind the man said 'The working -man has lost the best friend he ever had in this country"
 People at home sat by their radios last night and listened to the unin- terrupted, endless stream of facts and near-facts that poured through. The first reports came as news, some- thing to be graSped in every word, but later as time went on and there was no doubt left that stark truth was in their homes they only half-listened to the words of the commentators. Yet they left the radios going as though the amount of words and their endlessneSS would eventually pound some reality into the meaning.
 It affected everyone a bit differ e':tly, yet it affected all the same in its shock and in the disbelief 1t brought. Each had his own impress sion of the man, each caught some small difference in the color of the many-faceed side of the man, that they remembered now and left its own personal memory. Yet the shock was universal and almost without variety or change in its saneness.
 Today the city, like the nation, prepared it's more formal tributes to the President. By request oi Governor Baldwin all flags are to be hung at half-staff for 30 days. Tomorrow at noon all non-essential business will close, the stores, the municipal buildings, theatres, etc Today at Il 8. m. the city's schools closed following appropriate memor- ial services.
 City churches will follow the Governors suggestion tomorrow and hold memorial services at 4 p. m. It will be day of mourn ing and solemn respect.
 Tributes were paid to President Roosevelt this morning by city off, cials, the clergy and others. Mayor John s. Monagan said:
 President Roosevelts death is a shock to all of us. WaterburianS join with their fellow countrymen throughout the nation in sorrow at the passing of this Great Amer ican. It is particularly tragic that he could not have lived to see the victory toward which he gave his life.
 complete support. Franklin Roose- velt's supreme contribution should inspire us to unite behind our new president to finish the common task which he did not live to see brought to its complete conclusion" " Rev. Francis M. O'Shea, pastor of the Immaculate Conception church:
 ''The death of President Roose- welt, a great leader and great humanitarian, is 8 tragic loss to the country and to the world at this particular time. All will mourn his passing. May God guide the steps of those who take his place. ''
 Maurice F. Tangney, chairman of the Democratic Town commit tee:
 The news of the death of Presi- dent Roosevelt is severe blow to the country and Democratic party His love of country and his staunch support of every human project were outstanding. While President Roosevelt has left us his courage and great leadership, his will live long in the hearts of his people"
 City Controller Neil F. Maloney secretary, of the local party:
 Like all local Democrats ] was shocked to hear of the Presi- dents death. It is a great loss to the nation at this time. Witt peace near, he was needed more than ever"
 Rabbi William P. Greenfield:
 The single greatest personality of our generation has left us. A children suddenly beref1t anc orphaned we are dazed and bewil- dered. The heart speaks and the eyes weep but the tongue know. not what to utter. The common man has lost his best friend, suf- fering minorities are without theil staunchest supporter, little nation. seek in vain their champion anc a wounded world cries out for its healer
 A minute of silence was observed in City Court this morning in tri. bute to the late president.
 After Court Officer Joseph Gar. vey's gavel opened the session Judge Charles R. Summa stated:
 At $50 yesterday afternoon thu world received the sad news of thu death of our President and Com. mander- -in- Chief, Franklin Delant Roosevelt. This sad news was ; shock to all freedom loving people the world over, and a shock whicl will take the world long time t, get over. In respect to his memory ask this court to stand in silenc, for one minute"
 1 Special prayers will be offered il tribute to the martyr presented b