News & information

Recent letter carrier deaths

Former Branch 3347 President William Bach dies

William “Bill” Bach died on Aug. 15. Brother Bach started his Postal Service career as a clerk in San Diego, CA in 1968. He became a letter carrier the following year and joined Branch 3347. Bach served Branch 3347 in several capacities, including as shop steward, vice president and president for 17 years. He retired from the Postal Service in 2004.

In 2019, Bach celebrated 50 years of NALC membership and received his gold card and 50-year lapel pin.

Bach is survived by his wife of 55 years Ellen and his two children, Eric and Lisa. He was 79. 

Covid-19 death

Florence Finks died on July 15. Sister Finks started her Postal Service career in 1974 and was a member of Northeastern New York Branch 358. She retired in 2004 after 30 years as a letter carrier. Finks is survived by her husband David and her two children, Nanette and Eric. She was 71.

Off-duty deaths

Henry Scites suffered a fatal accident at home on July 14. Brother Scites was a member of Huntington, WV Branch 359 and had been a city carrier assistant since March 2021. Before his time with the Postal Service, Scites served four years in the Army and was a boilermaker for 22 years. Scites is survived by his wife April, his son Jayden, and his two daughters, Shayla and Aliysa. He was 45.

Spencer Williams was the victim of an accidental drowning on Aug. 17. Brother Williams was a member of Chicago, IL Branch 11 and had been a letter carrier since October 2021. Williams is survived by many family members, including his 7-year-old son. He was 29. 

Richard Vega was the victim of a suspected homicide on Aug. 11. Brother Vega was a member of Ponce, PR Branch 826 and had been a letter carrier for one year. He was 42.

Carlos Cartagena was shot and killed after trying to break up a fight on Aug. 14. Brother Cartagena was a member of San Juan, PR Branch 869 and had been a letter carrier since August 2021. He was 34.

“NALC is deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of these members,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said. “We mourn their losses and send our sympathies to their families, friends and colleagues.”