John Insalaco, who served as mayor of Apache Junction for 10 years — and an additional eight on city council — died on Wednesday. He was 85.

Originally from Rochester, New York, Insalaco moved to Arizona in 1970, living in Globe until moving to Apache Junction in 1986. He served as a city councilmember from 1997-2001 and 2003-2007 and then was mayor from 2007-2017, according to a release.

Insalaco was was on the council when the city expanded its governmental facilities, including the construction of a new city hall, the Apache Junction Multi-generational Center and library.

He was one year into his first term as mayor when the city faced economic hardship during the Recession of 2008. He continued his service as the city began its first steps to expansion to the south that eventually turned into the annexation of state land for the four-square-mile Superstition Vistas development now underway, it states in the release.

A longtime musician, he owned Insalaco’s Music and Upholstery from 1971-2011, and regularly played at different venues into his 80s.

A member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Insalaco was always involved in the community.

Insalaco is survived by his wife Susan, three children and five grandchildren.

Services are pending.