Councillor Mark Reed was found in the early hours of Saturday morning (July 5) at his home in Brentwood.
Councillor Reed, who represented Hutton South since 2009, had also been heavily involved in amateur dramatics at Brentwood Theatre before leaving in 2017 after 16 years.
In 2018, he produced Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Brentwood Centre, which featured Chesney Hawkes as Joseph.
He was Brentwood mayor between 2015 and 2016 and chairman of Brentwood & Ongar Conservatives when Brentwood MP Alex Burghart was chosen as the Tory candidate for the 2017 general election.
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Leader of the Tory group at Brentwood Council, Will Russell, said: “Mark was a true community champion, confidant and friend.
“Whilst we all suffer a tremendous loss, Mark will be remembered for the love and light he brought to many lives.”
In a tribute on social media, Councillor Keith Barber said: “This was the local community where he lived, and he was genuinely one of the most caring local councillors that could ever hope to meet.
“Often seen pulling litter out of a ditch on Hanging Hill Lane, cutting back vegetation along a footpath on Thriftwood or rolling his sleeves up to improve a local area – Mark really led by example.
“We are still all very shocked at this news and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and ward colleagues at this truly sad time.”
Councillor Reed also served as chairman of Brentwood Council’s business, community, and culture panel in 2011.
He had been working as a children’s entertainer with Brentwood-based Rocky’s Animals when he died.
A statement from Rocky’s Animals owner Richard Hughes on social media said: “Personally he has been there for me through hard times and was always so generous with his time.
“He was one of the kindest and most passionate people I know, and since being on board with Rocky’s Animals, it was great to see him thrive at something he loved dearly.
“He cared so much for his animals, and it brought him joy to share them with all of his customers, schools and charities that he works with, and I know he made a positive impact on everyone he met through all of his work.
“There are no words at this time and we’re all in total shock, our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time and I want to thank his loyal customers for all their support over the years and the amazing feedback you have provided.
“I know it spurred him on to share his love of the animals with more and more people and he truly loved what he did.
“He was one of life’s special people, and we will miss you dearly Mark.”
