Fabio Belli, a Greater Sudbury businessman, Ward 8 councillor and father of two young children, has died.

Sudbury MP Glenn Thibeault emailed a statement Saturday afternoon confirming Belli had died while visiting his family in Florida.

"On behalf of wife Sue, daughters Emma and Brianna and his family and friends, it is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Fabio Belli, councillor of Ward 8 in the city of Greater Sudbury," read Thibeault’s statement.

City of Greater Sudbury staff confirmed Belli’s passing a short time later.

“On behalf of City Council, I send my deepest condolences to Fabio’s wife, children, family and friends at this very difficult time,” Mayor Marianne Matichuk said in the city’s statement. “Fabio’s passion and his determination to work for our community will be dearly missed.”

“As an organization and as individuals, we share the sorrow of Fabio’s family and send our most heartfelt sympathy to them,” added Doug Nadorozny, chief administrative officer for the city.

Belli reportedly suffered a heart attack.

Thibeault’s statement said funeral arrangements and other details would be forthcoming, while also asking for privacy for Belli’s family.

Belli was born and raised in Sudbury and attended Cambrian College. He is married to Susan and has two young children. Belli owned Just Soccer, BMI Custom Apparel & Promotional Products and T-Zone Vibration. He was the winner of the 2003 Northern Ontario Business Association young Entrepreneur Award and earned the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur Award. He is a former Vice President of the Sudbury Regional Soccer association and is well known in the city’s hockey circles.

He suffered a stroke last fall, but had recovered. In an interview with The Sudbury Star in January, Belli expressed how the stroke was a wake-up call, and how much he valued his family.

This story will be updated as more details become available.