Former independent New South Wales politician Ted Mack, known as the father of independents, has died in Sydney at the age of 84, two years after being diagnosed with cancer.

Mr Mack was regarded as a political heavyweight and represented the seat of North Sydney in federal parliament from 1990 to 1996.

He is credited for helping pave the way for a generation of independent politicians in Canberra, having been elected as both a state and federal independent.

Just over two years ago, he was diagnosed with stage four lung and brain cancer.

His family said in a statement he responded well to treatment and "had two good years of life", but after suffering a stroke last week he did not recover.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said Mack was one of her mentors.

"Ted Mack always put the public interest, public accountability in the community and democracy first," she said.

"He was a great mayor, he was a great state member, he was a great federal member, and that's a great loss."

A public memorial service is expected to be held in Sydney later this month.