Others knew him for being somewhat of an eccentric hoarder who was pleasant and welcoming but drove his car too slowly.

But what everyone seemed to know about Ron Cullen was that he was an important part of the fabric of the old Charlestown - a bloke who built there more than 45 years ago and remained, watching on as the old-school suburb turned into a shopping mecca with the introduction of Charlestown Square.

Mr Cullen, 71, was found dead in the living room of the Marie Street home yesterday morning, possibly where he had fallen as he attempted to escape the flames which had taken hold of his brick and tile residence before 6am.

Gone with him are countless photographs which would have told the tale of the changing of the suburb.

"He loved taking photographs, he was always with his camera," said resident Eddie Huard, who moved into Marie Street in 1964 and lived across the road from Mr Cullen for 45 years. "That was his passion."

It was believed Mr Cullen was raised in Gateshead before buying the block of land and building in the 1960s.

He was married once, but his wife left him only months after they moved into their new home and he remained to live the bachelor's life.

Mr Cullen was a bricklayer but had been retired for some time. His house was littered with items, both of paper and the larger variety, that might have possibly contributed to the blaze.

He would spend some time at the nearby bowling club and loved his garden. His house had almost been reclaimed by bush which adjoined his block, with vines and bushes wrapping around and over the bricks and tiles.

The Sun-Herald interviewed Mr Cullen more than five years ago about how he was part of a throng who stood outside former Charlestown shop Pickerings to watch the start of television in 1956.

Lake Macquarie detectives are investigating but it does not appear there is anything suspicious about the fire.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.