In what many will consider the end of a dynasty, the last of three brothers, Senator Edward Kennedy, brother to President John. F. Kennedy and Senator Robert Kennedy, both gunned down early in life, has passed away from brain cancer at the age of 72.

“Edward M. Kennedy, the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply, died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port (Massachusetts),” the Kennedy family said in a statement.

One of the most influential and longest-serving senators in U.S. history — a liberal standard-bearer who was also known as a consummate congressional dealmaker — Kennedy had been battling brain cancer, which was diagnosed in May 2008.

“We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever,” the family statement added.

From CNN…

In the clip below, Teddy Kennedy gives a moving eulogy for his brother Robert. If there is a hearafter, I hope he is now at peace, and is rejoined with those he had lost. RIP Teddy…