News & information
Recent letter carrier deaths due to coronavirus
NALC is deeply saddened to learn that seven more letter carrier deaths related to coronavirus have been confirmed.
Robert Fouts, a member of NALC Branch 238, worked at the Massillon, OH Post Office. He was 63 years old at the time of his passing on October 27, 2020. He began his letter carrier career in July 1984, and previously served his country in the US Army for four years.
Mary Crosby, a letter carrier at the Chillicothe, OH Post Office was 63 years old when she passed away on October 27, 2020. This coming February, she would have celebrated 32 years of service.
J.R. Parker, NALC Branch 157 retired member and former letter carrier at the Philadelphia Post Office passed away on November 10, 2020. He began delivering mail in November 1965, and he served Branch 157 in many capacities – Shop Steward, Community Service Officer, Delegate to State and National Conventions, and Delegate to Congressional Breakfasts. Notably, Brother Parker was an active participant in the Great Postal Strike of 1970, and retired after 35 years of service. He was 76 years old at the time of his passing.
Donald Hunter, a letter carrier out of Omaha Nebraska, and member of NALC Branch 5 passed away November 10, 2020 at the age of 60. Brother Hunter leaves behind his wife, 9 children, and 24 grandchildren.
John Onsager, a military veteran and member of NALC Branch 728, worked at the Eau Claire, WI Carrier Annex. He was 76 years old at the time of his passing on November 15, 2020. Brother Onsager would have celebrated 38 years of dedicated service this coming April.
John Buffer, a veteran that proudly served during the Vietnam War, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2020 at the age of 79. Brother Buffer was a retired member of NALC Branch 4016 in Frankfort, IL. He was presented with a gold card for his 50 years of NALC membership earlier this year.
Manny Martinez, a member of NALC Branch 226 passed away on December 5, 2020. Brother Martinez worked at the North Richland Hills Post Office in Fort Worth, TX. This past April, Brother Martinez surpassed 35 years of service as a letter carrier. He was 64 years old.
"On behalf of the NALC, we mourn the loss of each of these letter carriers." NALC President Fredric Rolando said. "Unfortunately, this deadly disease continues to take the lives of our brothers and sisters. Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers go out to each of their families, friends, and co-workers."
Letter carriers who died in the line of duty
The NALC mourns the loss of the following letter carriers who died in the line of duty.
Louise Franklin passed away at work on July 22, 2020, at the age of 58. Louise was a member of Branch 142 in Washington, DC where she worked out of the Georgetown Carrier Annex. Sister Franklin had over 30 years of service.
Margaret White passed away September 30, 2020, from a hit and run. Sister White was a member of Branch 247 and worked out of the Portsmouth, VA Post Office. She was 44.
William Nauerz was working in Jackson, NJ when he suffered a heart attack while driving and passed away on November 25, 2020. Brother Nauerz served as a letter carrier for 27 years. He was 58 years old at the time of his passing.
Jerry Tin suffered a heart attack while on his route. Despite immediate resuscitation efforts, Brother Tin passed away December 2, 2020, at age 60. Brother Tin served the same route for two decades and worked in the Pacific Beach Station in San Diego.
“On behalf of the entire NALC, we send our deepest sympathies to the families, friends, and co-workers of our brothers and sisters lost in the line of duty.” President Rolando commented.
Letter carriers killed off duty
The NALC mourns the loss of four letter carriers killed in accidents off the job.
Tiaesa Sade Lake, a member of NALC Branch 142 in Washington, DC, passed away on August 4, 2020 when a tree fell on her vehicle on her way to work. Sister Lake was 31 and leaves behind her parents and siblings.
Ronesha Brown and her unborn son passed away October 23, 2020, when she was shot by a stray bullet. Sister Brown was a member of NALC Branch 124 and worked at the Uptown Station in New Orleans. She was 23 years old.
Steve Collier, a member of Branch 204 in Colorado Springs, CO, died in a motor vehicle accident along with his two sons while on a family trip on October 23, 2020. Brother Collier was 52 years old and is survived by his wife and daughter.
James Alcorn, a member of Branch 182 Dayton, OH, passed away unexpectedly November 11, 2020, in a vehicle accident. Brother Alcorn was a letter carrier for 20 years and worked in the Huber Heights Post Office. He was 48.
“The NALC is saddened to learn of these tragic accidents.” President Rolando said. “On behalf of the NALC, we send our condolences to each letter carrier’s family, friends, and co-workers.”