ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester community is remembering the life and legacy of the 39th president of the United States. Both politicians and neighbors are reacting to the death of Jimmy Carter, who founded The Carter Center with his wife Rosalynn and won the Nobel Peace Prize after his presidency.

Rep. Joe Morelle expressed his condolences on X, stating, “President Carter was a true American patriot whose dedicated service to our nation will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.”

Rep. Claudia Tenney also shared her condolences. She emphasized the importance of honoring Carter’s legacy, saying “let’s honor his legacy as well as his dedication and service to our country and our world.”

Rochester community members shared their admiration for Carter’s commitment to helping those less fortunate, even after his presidency.

Allie Brooks commented, “I feel like he did a lot of good things. After his time as president, he was working with Habitat for Humanity and just trying to help people in a way he couldn’t when he was president. Everybody respects him.”

Matt Long added, “When I heard the news, I was shocked. He made 100 look great. He was a kind soul.”

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were known for their involvement with Habitat for Humanity. The nonprofit organization stated that the Carters’ legacies will continue to live on in every family they serve worldwide. Jimmy Carter died at age 100 on Sunday and Rosalynn Carter died at age 96 back in November.

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Here are some other statements from local and state leaders about Jimmy Carter’s legacy:

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said “As we remember President Carter’s extraordinary life, we also honor the countless lives he touched through his vision and generosity. …May his memory be a blessing and an enduring reminder of what it means to truly serve.”

On Facebook, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said: “I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of President Jimmy Carter, a lifelong activist, humanitarian, and advocate for peace. He leaves behind a legacy of fighting for a more just world. My thoughts are with his entire family at this time. President Carter will be deeply missed.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul said “President Jimmy Carter embodied decency and integrity throughout his life of public service. I’ll never forget as a teenager meeting him in.”

New York State Senator Samra Brouk said “President Carter exemplified the true meaning of public service. His legacy will live on through the generations of humanitarians and volunteers he inspired.”

In a statement, Monroe County Democratic Chairman Stephen Devay said:

“We lost a true leader in President Jimmy Carter today. As a man of deep faith and a humanitarian, he spent his life selflessly serving others by fighting for peace, equality, and civil rights; building homes; combatting disease; and advocating for free and fair elections. He showed us how to be strong and compassionate – and our world and country are better because of him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched. Thank you, President Carter – you have inspired us all and will be greatly missed.”