DETROIT – Roman Gribbs, who was Detroit's oldest living mayor, has died. He was 90.
Gribbs rose from sheriff to serve the city as mayor during the turbulent years from 1970-74 when Detroit was recovering from the 1967 riots.
He declined to run for re-election and was succeeded by Coleman Young.
Gribbs served in the Michigan Court of Appeals until 2001.
He had been in poor health before his death.
Mayor Mike Duggan released this statement on Tuesday:
"Roman Gribbs was the textbook definition of a dedicated public servant. Through a career that stretched nearly half a century, and in his roles as an assistant prosecutor, a respected judge, and as sheriff and mayor, he admirably served Detroit -- a city he loved dearly. I am grateful for his service, and my heart goes out to his family."