The Lord Mayor, Councillor James Ashley passed away peacefully in hospital on Saturday August 12 with his wife Kate by his side.
Leader of Manchester City Council Sir Richard Leese said: "We are very sorry to hear the sad news of the Lord Mayor's death. Our thoughts are with the Lady Mayoress and his family."
His son Councillor Simon Ashley said: "My father was extremely honoured to become Manchester's Lord Mayor and he participated with pride in the civic events of recent months. He enjoyed meeting so many people from local communities and from all over the world.
"We are touched by the many messages of sympathy we've received. Our family would like to thank everyone for the support they are giving to us."
Councillor James Ashley was born in Manchester on May 21 1940 and lived in Gorton. He served as a Councillor for Gorton South since 1987.
He was appointed to the Manchester City bench in 1971 and continued his role as a magistrate for 34 years.
Councillor Ashley campaigned for the creation of Gorton Heritage Trail along the Gore Bank Valley conservation area. His voluntary work included: Victim Support, Gorton Community Forum, Blackley Civic Society, Charlestown Tenants and Residents Association, and the Management Committee of Sacred Heart Community Hall.
Councillor Ashley was also a member of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Building Section and a member of the Northwest Regional Advisory Committee for Building and Civil Engineering.
Councillor Ashley's civic duties will be carried out by the Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Glynn Evans and councillors who formerly held office as Lord Mayor, until a decision is made about the appointment of the next Lord Mayor.
Funeral arrangements are being made and the public will be informed of details when they are confirmed.
Media Contact- Margaret Blackburn, tel 0161 234 4014