Hundreds paid their respects Thursday to late state Rep. Ezequeil 'Zeke' Santiago, who died of a major heart attack last week.

Santiago, a six-term Democrat and chairman of the House Banking Committee, was 45 years old.

He helped lead the ongoing fight to build a casino in Bridgeport. Friends told News 12 that he was an effective leader.

Luz de Paz Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Funeral services will be held at the Klein Auditorium Friday morning to accommodate the crowds of people expected to attend. The service will be followed by a burial at Lakeview Cemetery.