Last month Rep. Moakley announced his retirement at the end of his term in 2002, after being diagnosed with leukemia. He talked about his illness, his decision to retire, and his family. He also reminisced about his career in Congress which began in 1973, and about legislation he sponsored. On March 13th at the White House, President George W. Bush will sign a bill naming the new federal courthouse in South Boston the “John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse.”

A video clip was shown of a tribute to Rep. Moakley by President Bush in a February 27 address to a joint session of Congress. 

Rep. Moakley died of complications from leukemia on May 28, 2001.