Edwin Pustelnik, former president and board chairman of the $18 million Buffalo Fire Department Federal Credit Union, has died at the age of 77.

Pustelnik first joined the credit union as a board member some 40 years ago, and then became an employee, working his way from clerk to loan officer to president/CEO before retiring and again returning as board chairman, according to the Credit Union Association of New York.

“We are saddened by the loss of a true credit union advocate and supporter,” said William J. Mellin, president/CEO of the CUANY. “Throughout his career, Ed brought great energy and vision to preserving the well-being of Buffalo Fire FCU and all credit unions.”

Pustelnik served with the CUANY Buffalo Chapter council from 1982-1988 and on the CUANY board from 1988 to 1993. He also was a former board member of CUC Mortgage Corp.

Pustelnik was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa, and survived by three children and six grandchildren. He died on April 20. CUANY said it made a donation in his honor to the Roswell Park Cancer Institute.