Bethlehem Township Commissioner Tom Nolan died Sept. 25 after a brief battle with leukemia. When the remaining four commissioners met Oct. 1, they started with a moment of silence for Nolan. Then each of them offered their own tributes, followed by members of the public.

President Mike Hudak knew Nolan the longest. The two often tangled during Hudak’s 12 years on the board. But Hudak explained that Nolan always called in advance when he knew they would be at odds. He said they agreed more often than they differed. “At the end of the day, you still leave as friends,” said Hudak, citing “a mutual respect for each other. His presence and voice on this board will be missed, but I’m positive that what he leaves behind will carry on. God speed, Tom.”

Commissioner Malissa Davis, who was probably Nolan’s closest ally, called him “a voice we are really going to miss.” She broke down. Commissioners John Merhotten and John Gallagher, who only began serving in January, had kind words as well. Merhotten praised Nolan for the “professionalism and respect he gave everybody.” Gallagher added that “the township is certainly going to miss his presence.”

Several residents also chimed in. Most notable of this was Karen Berry. Her husband Bill and Nolan ran against each other twice. Bill won the first race, while Nolan won the second. She called Nolan a friend who “really served the greater community.”