PETROLIA — When Paul E. Bullman lost his fight with leukemia on Sept. 3, this borough lost a pillar of its community.

Only 50 years old when he died, Bullman had a hand in just about every aspect in the borough.

He was president of the borough council, a board member of the Petroleum Valley Water Authority, a member and a former chief and president of the Petrolia Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Kaylor American Legion Post 488 in Bradys Bend and a coach for baseball and softball teams.

Jeff Larimore, former vice president of the borough council, has assumed the presidency since Bullman’s death. He said he has big shoes to fill.

“He had a good head on his shoulders, used common sense and looked out for the people in town,” Larimore said.

“Any time there was an opening for a representative for anything, like the water authority or the sewage authority, Paul did it.”

Larimore also served with Bullman with the volunteer fire department.

“He was very community oriented, just a good all-around guy,” Larimore said.

Barbara Shirey, vice president of Dick McCall, where Bullman was employed as a shop steward and worked for 31 years, said he was a bear of a man with a heart of gold.

She grew up with Bullman and attended church with him at Petrolia Presbyterian Church and at Fairview Presbyterian Church.

“I kind of called him a gentle giant,” she said.

“If you would need anything, or call him, he would be right there to help.”

Despite his numerous community activities, Bullman was a good, well-liked employee and rarely took a vacation, Shirey said.

“He always talked fondly of his niece and nephew. He was very family oriented,” she said.

“He is going to be truly missed.”

Bullman received his send-off from Butler County emergency services about 3:30 p.m. Thursday, the day of his funeral, with the dispatcher stating over the emergency band, “Paul Bullman, this is your final call.”

The Hile Funeral Home, Chicora, handled funeral arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org.