Orange City councillor Mario Previtera has died after a battle with cancer.
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The council has postponed Tuesday night's council meeting for a week and the council flag has been lowered to half-mast in memory of Cr Previtera.
Member for Orange Phil Donato said he was shocked at the news.
Cr Previtera and Mr Donato both represent the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party.
Mr Donato said Cr Previtera died in Orange hospital.
He said Cr Previtera first contracted the disease 18 months ago but had recovered only to get an infection.
"It was very sudden. I knew he had cancer. He was on the mend," he said.
Cr Previtera with Cr Sam Romano, were the first Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party candidates to be elected in a local government election in NSW.
"It is with great sadness that I convey news of the passing of Mario Previtera, who passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning," Mr Donato said in a post on Facebook.
"Mario was elected as a councillor for the Orange City Council in 2017, proudly representing the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party and diligently serving his constituents, and the community of Orange.
"Mario was a true gentleman, and possessed the rare trait of never speaking ill-words about anyone.
"He was steadfastly loyal, always reliable, kind natured, generous, very approachable and he always had a happy and positive disposition.
"Mario always listened, he was a man of few words, but people took notice of what Mario had to say.
"On behalf of my family, the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party, and the community of Orange, I send heartfelt condolences to Mario's family, his friends and colleagues who will all miss him dearly."
Orange mayor Reg Kidd said he was also saddened at the news.
"He was a very sincere and humble person," he said.
"He was born and bred here in Orange."
Cr Kidd said Cr Previtera attended James Sheahan Catholic High School.
"I admire people that put their hand up and run for council. He did that," he said.
"Nothing was ever too much of a task for him. He will be sadly missed."
He said Cr Previtera was aged 53 and lived with his brother, Fred.
Cr Kidd said it was expected there would not be a by-election and council would continue with 11 councillors until the next general election due in September next year.
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