News & information

Recent letter carrier deaths from COVID-19 and other causes

The NALC is deeply saddened to learn of an additional four letter carriers lost to COVID-19, plus one lost in the line of duty, and one killed off duty.

Recent letter carrier deaths due to coronavirus

Frank Baltazar died Jan. 29, 2021. Frank started his postal career in 1977. He carried at the Anaheim Hills Post Office and belonged to Branch 1100, Garden Grove, CA. In 2013, Frank retired after 36 years of service. He leaves behind his wife Peggy, a retired member of Branch 1100. He was 66.

Pricelo Pablo died Feb. 5, 2021. After serving in the US Navy for 28 years, he went on to join the Postal Service as a letter carrier in 1994. Brother Pablo retired in 2009 after 15 years of service. He worked at the Portsmouth Main, VA, Post Office and was a member of Tidewater Branch 247. He is survived by his wife Ethel, and children, Yolanda, Joey, and Jason. He was 73.

Sabrina McKenna died Feb. 15, 2021, at age 57. She became a letter carrier in 1986 and retired in 2020 after 34 years of service. Sister McKenna was a member of Branch 3099, Jasper, AL. She is survived by her sons Joshua and Matthew.

Richard Kurpisz died Mar. 5, 2021. Brother Kurpisz started his postal career in 1957. After 46 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2003. He was a member of Long Island Merged Branch 6000, and a gold card member with 57 years in the NALC. He leaves behind wife Barbara, and children Michael and James. He was 81.

Letter carrier killed off duty

Matthew Hingston died Mar. 21, 2021, from a tragic apartment fire. After serving in the Marines, he became a letter carrier in 1997. As a member of Branch 74, Brother Hingston worked in Saginaw, MI and served his fellow brothers and sisters as a shop steward. He leaves behind his daughter, Madelynn. He was 49.

Letter carrier who died in the line of duty

Ian Roxas died Feb. 27, 2021, while on-duty at the age of 56. He had a long battle with COVID-19 and recently returned to work after recovering. He joined the Postal Service in 1990 and worked at the El Monte, CA, Post Office. Brother Roxas was a member of Garden Grove Branch 1100. He is survived by his brother.

“We will mourn their loss” President Rolando stated. “On behalf of the entire NALC, we send our condolences and deepest sympathies to the friends, family and co-workers of our lost brothers and sisters.”