The 45-year-old father of four had stopped off to grab a bite to eat at a nearby fast-food restaurant before he began crossing the road with a friend so they could catch a taxi home.

Moments later Mr Taylor was hit by a Nissan Patrol.

Paramedics treated him at the scene, just after 9pm, but he later died at John Hunter Hospital.

Police say the driver of the car - a 68-year-old Gwandalan man - was not injured in the crash but taken to Belmont Hospital for mandatory blood and urine tests.

On Sunday, Mr Taylor's older sister, Sharon Belford, said the family was heartbroken by the accident and they would all miss him dearly.

She described her brother as a loving father, successful mechanic and passionate Parramatta Eels fan.

He ran a successful business and had just moved into a new garage, she said.

"He knew everyone in Toronto. Everyone knew him as Tiddles; he got the name when he was kid," Mrs Belford said.

"He was a big VB drinker, he loved partying and he'd do anything for his mates.

"He was a loving dad; he thought the world of his kids."

Mrs Belford's husband, John, said Mr Taylor was extremely giving and generous.

"The impact he's had on my life, it feels like we've grown up together," he said.

"He was like a brother. He was everyone's mate. That's how big a part of the community he was; there are so many people who are going to miss him.

"His business was booming because everyone wanted him to be their mechanic.

"He was always helping mates out with work on their cars"Long-time friend Jodie Eslick said Mr Taylor was down-to-earth and loved life.

"He loved his kids, he was always there for them," she said.

Mr Taylor had played baseball with the Toronto Tigers since he was a boy, only stopping a couple of years ago.

Tigers president Joe Moanaroa said it was a sad day for everyone at the club.

"He played the game hard and he was very passionate about the game," he said.

Lake Macquarie Duty Officer Inspector Steve Gallagher said police were still investigating the factors behind the accident.

He urged any witnesses that had not yet spoken to police to contact them.