A tram driver who was hit and killed by a garbage truck while on his way to work in Melbourne's north on Monday has been remembered as a devoted family man.

Jay Perera, 63, was crossing Moreland Road near the busy intersection with Nicholson Street in Coburg when he was struck by the truck just before 7am.

Paramedics took the Jacana man to the Royal Melbourne Hospital where he died shortly afterwards.

It is understood Mr Perera was on his way to work and had stepped out of a car before he was hit by the garbage truck, which was turning onto Moreland Road.