Vincent Wild was one of the founders of the Becca Centre – originally the Bevendean Children’s Centre Association – in 1987.
He died suddenly from a cardiac arrest while travelling on a bus to the centre.
Since his death dozens of people have paid their respects.
Mayor of Brighton and Hove Ann Meadows said Mr Wild was a “stalwart of the community” and provided a vital service to the area.
She said: “It is hard to think of Becca without associating it with Vince. He had a tremendous impact on the lives of young people in that area.”
Ward councillor Mo Marsh said his death was a “huge loss to the community”.
She said: “He will be sorely missed by everyone in the community for whom he has worked so hard.”
Mr Wild’s family – wife Joyce, daughters Ali and Nikki and four grandchildren – said they had taken comfort from the tributes.
In a statement, also on behalf of son-in-law John and brother-in-law Peter, they said: “The family are comforted by the love and support being shown but respectfully ask that they are given the time to grieve in private as the loss is so great.”
Mr Wild’s brother, Colin, contacted The Argus from his home in Australia. He said Mr Wild was the “driving force” in setting up the centre, in Heath Hill Avenue, that has served the community for more than 24 years.
Their parents, George and Connie, both worked for The Argus.
Robert Brown, the chair of Action for Bevendean Community Group, said he had learnt a lot from Mr Wild.
He said: “He was a really brilliant person who helped children in the estate to understand what giving and helping other people are by showing by example, by giving his time and being at the centre morning and night.”
Becca has provided activities for hundreds, if not thousands, of children for the past 24 years.
Greg Bradley, whose children used the centre, said: “He lived for this community – him and his wife Joyce. He was phenomenal.
"All my kids have grown up with Becca. He touched a lot of people’s hearts.”
Tributes were also paid online. One, called Hayley, said: “He had the heart of an ox, the cunning of a fox and the determination of a rampaging rhinoceros. We have lost Vince the man, but Vince the legend lives on.”
Mr Wild’s funeral will be held on November 22 at 10.30am at Downs Crematorium in Bear Road, Brighton.
The family have requested no flowers, but a donation can be made to Becca.
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