Troubled William Armstrong, who became known as 'Billy the Pigeon' has died in hospital.
The repeat offender, who became well-known around Newcastle city centre, passed away in the Royal Victoria Infirmary on March 31.
He was 46 years old.
Billy, who was from the Elswick area of Newcastle, will be laid to rest at the city's West Road Crematorium on Tuesday.
In a death notice placed in the Chronicle, his family said that Billy died "with his family by his side."
His relatives said that he would be "sadly missed" by his "loving family and friends".
A string of tributes to Billy, who was a father, have also been left online by his friends and family.
One reads: "It’s heartbreaking you're gone billy, gone far to soon, our little brother, youngest of us all.
"So many memories of you growing up.
"Memories we’ll keep forever, your going to be a big miss Billy."
While another said: "RIP Uncle Billy were missing you so much already. You will always be in our hearts."
Billy, who was first in trouble with police at the age of 15, was jailed for two years at Newcastle Crown Court in April last year after a series of thefts in Newcastle city centre. He had a string of more than 464 convictions and a 55 page criminal record.
It's believed he was due to be released at the beginning of last month, just weeks before he died.
His death is not being treated as suspicious, the Chronicle understands.
