(CNN) -- Condolences continued to pour in late Sunday night following the death of heavy metal rocker Ronnie James Dio, who lost his battle with stomach cancer earlier in the day. 

"Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45 a.m. 16th May," his wife, Wendy Dio, said in a message on his official website. 

Dio, 67, followed Ozzy Osbourne as Black Sabbath's lead vocalist in 1979. 

"Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away," she wrote. "Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all." 

The rock community paid tribute to Dio in messages late Sunday. 

"In addition to his powerhouse vocal ability, Ronnie was a true gentleman who always emanated great warmth and friendship to us and everyone around him," KISS said. "We will miss him." 

Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian called Dio's death a big loss. 

"So many memories of Ronnie. Toured together many times. He always had a kind word and a smile, and he loved the Yankees," Ian said. 

Musician Slash summed up the loss in one sentence: "Ronnie died at 7:45 a.m., but his music will live for eternity." 

Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx, who became friends with Dio while touring Europe, said the rocker will be missed. 

"I still have this image of him standing on stage in front of 100,000 belting out 'Man on the Silver Mountain' and remember the shivers it sent up my spine," Sixx said. 

He called Dio "one of the kindest souls I have ever met and his talent was beyond inspirational to so many of us." 
According to who?
Scott Ian