India, May 20 -- Former US Congressman Barney Frank, renowned for his confrontations with Wall Street and recognized as one of the first openly gay representatives, passed away on Tuesday night, according to reports from US media. He was 86.

He died after a battle with congestive heart failure.

He will be remembered as a pioneer for LGBT rights, being the first member of Congress to enter into a same-sex marriage, and for his role in reforming financial regulations following the 2008 financial crisis.

"He was, above all else, a wonderful brother. I was lucky to be his sister," stated Frank's sister Doris Breay in an interview with NBC Boston.

"He notified everybody that he was in hospice, so it was just a matter of time. He was certai...