Sydney's Jewish community has been rocked by the sudden death of property mogul Stanley Roth, who developed the famous 'Toaster' building next to the city's iconic Opera House.

The former Rich Lister, 72, became ill and suffered a fatal stroke en route to hospital on Sunday, just hours after returning home from a holiday in Hawaii.

Born in Sydney in 1953 to Jewish parents who fled Europe a decade earlier, Roth originally worked as a lawyer with Blake Dawson Waldron, where he became a partner.

He left law in 1992 to join his brother John in running Henroth Investments, the billion-dollar property empire founded by their Holocaust survivor father Henry. 

The brothers soon became regulars on AFR's annual Rich 200 list and had a combined worth of $165million in 2000.

They recently partnered with Woolworths to redevelop Chullora Marketplace, although planning approvals have since proved challenging .

The shopping centre was acquired by Charter Hall for $145million earlier this year.

Sydney's Jewish community has been rocked by the sudden death of property mogul Stanley Roth

Other developments included the Bennelong Apartments at Circular Quay, better known as 'The Toaster' and home to former radio broadcaster Alan Jones.

Following their father's death in 2000, the brothers continued his charitable work through the Henry R Roth Charitable Foundation, which supports a wide range of causes.

Mr Roth was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2008 for his services to business, charity, the community and United Israel Appeal of Australia.

More recently, he was in the process of developing Yarranabee Ventures, a luxury residential complex at Darling Point.

His sudden death has prompted heartfelt tributes led by prominent Jewish community leaders.

Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler described him as a rare character who lived 'three full lives at once'.

'Stanley was deeply principled and completely genuine. He could be tough when the moment demanded it, but he was always soft-hearted underneath, always guided by responsibility and care,' he wrote.

'He was one of the first people I went to speak to before I took on the role of President of the Zionist Federation of Australia. 

The controversial Toaster development divided the city but has since become a local landmark 

The Yarranabee Ventures development at Darling Point was Mr Roth's most recent project

'He encouraged me, he steadied me, and over the last seven years we remained in close contact. He was a mentor and a friend.'