Hundreds attend funeral for Howard Metzenbaum

Metzenbaum had served almost 20 years in the Senate.

BEACHWOOD, Ohio (AP) — Former U.S. Sen. Howard Metzenbaum was remembered as an anti-corruption watchdog and a fighter for civil rights at a funeral attended by several hundred family, friends and Democratic Party figures Sunday.

Metzenbaum, who died Wednesday at the age of 90, was a force to be reckoned with during his years in the Senate, former Vice President Al Gore said at the service at Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple in suburban Cleveland. A burial ceremony followed at Mayfield Cemetery in Cleveland Heights.

Metzenbaum served in the Senate for 18 years, beginning in 1977. His filibusters and stall tactics were so successful that the mere threat of Metzenbaum opposition was often enough to win concessions.

The former labor lawyer and union lobbyist considered himself a champion of workers.

After leaving the Senate in 1995, he started a new career as consumer advocate, heading the Consumer Federation of America.

Metzenbaum’s daughters recalled him sitting in temple services editing the prayer book to make it gender neutral, and his successful efforts to open up country clubs and ski clubs to Jews and blacks.

“Like the country he loved so much, Howard had energy ... a desire to make an impact on the world,” said Metzenbaum’s son-in-law, Joel Hyatt, who made an unsuccessful attempt to win Metzenbaum’s seat in 1994.