Mumbai, Dec 3 (IANS): Media personality Allwyn Fernandes, a former chief reporter of The Times Of India in Mumbai, is dead, a family member said here Wednesday.

Fernandes, 66, had been ailing with cancer for some time, but his condition sharply deteriorated in the past couple of months. He died late Tuesday.

He is survived by his wife Enid, son Rohan and daughter Rohini.

The funeral mass will be held at the Vincent Palloti Church followed by the funeral at the St. John The Evangelist cemetery in Marol from 3 p.m. onwards Wednesday, Rohan said.

Educated at the Fatima High School in Mumbai, Fernandes graduated from St. Xaviers College and later did his advanced journalism course from International Institute for Journalism, Berlin.

He started his career as a teacher, but joined The Times of India in Mumbai in 1969 and later became its chief reporter, known for his series of investigative articles and news features on various topics, especially the railways.

After 25 years with the newspaper, he sought voluntary retirement and became a communications professional with Edelman India, besides imparting training in communications skills, crisis management and writing, including a biography of the late M.R. Pai.