Mourners gathered in Bridgeport on Wednesday for the funeral of former state Sen. Ed Gomes.

Hundreds of people paid their respects at Blessed Sacrament Church on the East End of Bridgeport to a man often called Bridgeport's elder statesman.

Gomes, 84, is remembered as a straight-talking reformer, union activist and outspoken man of the people who never backed down from a fight.

Gomes suffered head injuries in a car crash in Bridgeport on Dec. 13, and succumbed to the injuries just three days before Christmas.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal called Gomes a 'happy warrior' whose distinguished career of public service leaves a legacy to be proud of.

"Seeing Ed Gomes, you could always count on that big smile and that big hug from him. And he is going to be greatly missed," Blumenthal says.

Gomes is also remembered as a champion of working families.

State Sen. Marilyn Moore called him a great Connecticut statesman.