Paul Sarbanes, the son of Greek immigrants who climbed the ranks of the Democratic Party and became one of the nation’s most powerful and respected U.S. Senators, died Sunday night, according to his son. He was 87.

The former Democratic lawmaker “passed away peacefully this evening in Baltimore,” said a statement by U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes, who represents Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District.

In a memorial Tweet, the Chicago-based Hellenic American Leadership Council called Sarbanes a “hero of Hellenism.”

We will publish a more informative tribute in the coming days.