GARY, Ind. (WLS) — Tito Jackson rose to global superstardom as a member of the legendary Jackson 5, but his hometown of Gary, Indiana, remained dear to him.

Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said Jackson became a friend of his and often called him to ask what he could do to support the city.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“Tito came when there were no cameras, press conferences or concerts,” Milton said.

Jackson died at the age of 70. A family spokesman said he suffered a fatal heart attack Sunday while driving to his home in Oklahoma.

The loss is a huge blow to fans who came to the Jackson family home to pay their respects.

Patsy Brown brought her friend from California and toasted Jackson.

“I’ve personally never, ever, ever driven past this house, and I’ve lived here my whole life. And it cost something like this, unfortunately,” Brown said.

Demont Pinder had already planned to make a pilgrimage to the Jackson family home, but when the artist heard of Jackson’s passing, he packed up his art supplies.

“My way of paying tribute and paying homage is to use a blank canvas and create a portrait,” Pinder said.

Pinder painted a portrait of the teenage Tito, hoping to share it with his family.

“You look at a family that has inspired the whole world, the whole globe. It’s amazing,” Pinder said.

Jackson, the group’s guitarist, learned to play the instrument from his father, Joe Jackson.

He released a solo album and continued to perform with his brothers. A few years ago he spoke about the loss of his younger brother Michael.

“Every show we feel his presence on stage. He helps us through it and helps us with what we do,” Jackson said at the time.

Jackson was last in Gary a few months ago, when he performed at the Hard Rock Casino. According to Gary’s mayor, he was planning to visit the city next week.