Tributes have been paid to Sheffield trade union leader, plumber and family man Jack Illingworth, who died aged 94. He was remembered for a long career representing workers, his commitment to social justice and his extensive service to Sheffield’s civic and community life.

Illingworth worked at Firth Brown’s from 1940, later becoming a full-time union official and helping secure improved pension rights for shop-floor workers. He served on Sheffield Trades and Labour Council, supported the development of Norfolk Park hydrotherapy pool, held university and school governance roles, and remained active in local sport and family life after being made redundant in 1985.