Willoughby mayor dies in hospital

One of Australia's longest-serving mayors has died in a Sydney hospital after a short, sudden illness.

For 17 years Pat Reilly held the mayoral chains of Willoughby, on Sydney's north shore, after first being elected to council in 1987.

Mr Reilly's wife Beth and daughter Sophie were by his side when he died on Monday night, Willoughby deputy mayor Giles Gidney said on Tuesday.

"Pat was an incredible man.

"No words can describe the immense contribution he made to the city of Willoughby and to its people, and his passing is an incredible loss for our community," Mr Gidney and Willoughby council general manager Nick Tobin said in a statement.

Mr Reilly, who lived his entire life in the area he represented, will be remembered as "the driving force" behind The Concourse development at Chatswood.

He balanced the need to build with an appreciation for local history and the individuality of neighbourhoods, the councillors said.

"Pat Reilly's impact on the City of Willoughby, and entire North Shore, will never be equalled or forgotten," they said.

"His legacy will remain in the diversity of the city, the exceptional lifestyle offered and in the happiness of the community."