NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Retired state Sen. Chris Ullo, who represented New Orleans area residents in the Legislature for more than 35 years, has died.

Ullo's family members said he died of congestive heart failure Thursday at East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie. He was 85.

A lifelong resident of Marrero, Mr. Ullo served in the state House and later in the Senate, where he retired after term limits required that he give up his 8th District Senate seat in 2008.

Senate President John Alario said Friday he and Ullo both arrived in the Legislature as House members in 1972. He remembered Ullo as a conscientious lawmaker who worked hard for completion of the elevated West Bank Expressway and on behalf of public school teachers.

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