Ervin Gustowski died in Wagga Base Hospital at the weekend after an alleged one-punch incident outside the Junee Ex-Services Club early on Saturday morning.

The 58-year-old is believed to have been trying to break up a fight and suffered fatal head injuries in the incident.

Detectives from Riverina Police District and the Homicide Squad have formed Strike Force Freebairn to investigate.

The popular Cooinda Court employee was the father of four daughters Danielle, Tamara and Kelly and Tanya.

Patricia Butler, chairman of the Cooinda Court, said Mr Gustowski has been a valuable employee.

“He was popular and well respected by the board, his colleagues and residents.

“Ervin has always been more than happy to help people and as an organ donor, he continues to do so.

“We loved Ervin and Ervin loved Cooinda Court and we are all devastated by his death and our sympathy goes to his family at this sad and difficult time.”

Junee mayor Neil Smith said on Monday that residents had been sharing their memories of Mr Gustowski, who had worked at the Cooinda Court aged care facility.

“He was highly regarded and ‘good value’,” Councillor Smith said.

“This is tragic. It just saddens me.”

As news of Mr Gustowski’s death spread, family and friends took to social media to share their memories.

Many of the Facebook posts commended Mr Gustowski for acting as a “good Samaritan” in trying to break up the altercation, while others paid tribute to “a good bloke”.