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(Updated) The second longest serving member of Hamilton city council has died after a serious illness.

Ward three councillor Bernie Morelli died last night at home at the age of 70.

He was recently in hospital and has been fighting health problems since his surgery to remove a kidney last year.

Morelli was born in east Hamilton where he was first elected to Hamilton city council in 1991 and served for more than 22 years. He was a member of the police services board from 1994 to 1997, then served as chair between 2000 and 2010. He was voted chair again last October.

In a statement, police Chief Glenn De Caire said “We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Morelli family, the Hamilton Police Services Board and to Mayor Bratina and the family of councillors who have had the privilege of serving the citizens with Mr Morelli as a colleague.”

Video: De Caire’s condolences

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Morelli worked at Dofasco for 25 years, including as a senior manager of market and product development. He had a masters degree in business administration and spent 18 years lecturing in business management at McMaster University. Before municipal politics he served a term as a Catholic school board trustee.

As tributes come in, CHCH News will be talking to members of council, the mayor and others who worked with him. Hamilton Mayor Bob Bratina will join Bob Cowan at approximately 9:20 am.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. He is survived by his daughter Christina, his two sons Rick and Mark, along with other family.

Video (top): Phil Perkins shares some remembrances from viewers