Legendary New York newspaper columnist Jimmy Breslin dead at 88

Breslin's wife, prominent New York Democrat Ronnie Eldridge, confirmed her husband died at home while recovering from pneumonia, The New York Times reported.

Breslin, 88, was known as a hardnosed newspaperman and best-selling author, who wrote about the mob and the poor in the same stark, jagged style.

The longtime newsman, notably with the New York Daily News, was critically acclaimed for his coverage of the “Son of Sam” serial murders in the 1970’s, among other prominent stories.

He won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary and the George Polk Award for metropolitan reporting in 1986.

Brelin was also an author of note who wrote a number of books, including his memoir, “I Want to Thank My Brain for Remembering Me,” “Damon Runyon: A Life” and, “The Gang that Couldn’t Shoot Straight,” a comic account of the Brooklyn Mob.

The Associated Press Contributed to this report.