Hundreds of Joe DiMaggio’s friends, family and former teammates – including Yogi Berra and Phil Rizzuto – packed St. Patrick’s Cathedral yesterday to pay homage to the beloved Yankee Clipper.
DiMaggio’s brother Dom and granddaughters Paula and Kathie were choked with emotion as strains of “Amazing Grace” echoed through the huge church in the emotional, hour-long memorial service.
The Hall of Fame centerfielder received a long standing ovation from the crowd – which included Yankee owner George Steinbrenner, Henry Kissinger and singer Michael Bolton.
Mayor Giuliani called Joltin’ Joe – whose 56-game hitting streak remains one of baseball’s most cherished records – an American icon and a true champion on and off the field.
“The man who was called the greatest living ballplayer will live forever in the hearts and minds of all,” Giuliani said of DiMaggio, who died March 8 of complications from lung cancer at the age of 84.
Dr. Bobby Brown, a former teammate and one-time American League president, eulogized DiMaggio as the pride of the Yankees.
“He was the team leader, but he didn’t give pep talks or speeches. He set for himself the highest standards, and he expected his teammates to do the same,” he said.
Also attending the star-studded farewell were Woody Allen, Bob Costas and Yankee general manager Brian Cashman.
John Cardinal O’Connor, who presided over the service , said the last time he saw DiMaggio was at a mass at St. Patrick’s.
“He was greeted with wild applause,” the cardinal said.