News & information

Lost NALC Brothers and Sisters

James Baxter

The NALC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of two long-time NALC Activists, of an additional six city carriers lost to COVID-19, of two on-duty carrier deaths, and of three carriers who died from off-duty incidents.

Branch 1100 Activist George Heim passes away

Brother George Heim passed away on April 23, 2021, after a long bout with cancer. Brother Heim was a well-known member of Garden Grove, CA, Branch 1100, and spent decades assisting and representing his fellow brothers and sisters.

Brother Heim started his union activism over 35 years ago as a shop steward in 1986. During his career he was also a member of the Dispute Resolution Team (DRT), an arbitration advocate, and a California State Association of Letter Carriers District 6 officer. Despite his retirement in 2012, George continued to step up and represent letter carriers and their interests.

George joins his daughter Jessica in the afterlife and is survived by children John, Sara, and Brian. He was 69.

“Brother Heim demonstrated his passion and dedication for his co-workers through many years of service and activism. He will be missed” President Rolando stated. “On behalf of the entire NALC, we send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and co-workers. 

Branch 247 President Emeritus Fritz Jones passes away

Fritz Jones died Jul. 5, 2021. Fritz spent 23 years in the U.S. Air Force. After he retired from the military, he joined the Postal Service in 1987. Brother Jones served his fellow carriers as a steward, vice-president, and president of Tidewater Branch 247 of Hampton, VA. Fritz joined the last punch bunch when he started his postal retirement in 2007.

He is survived by his wife Ellen and children, Christine, Patricia, and Eric. He was 79.

“After Brother Jones served his country in the U.S. Air Force, he continued his service to his brothers and sisters through his union leadership and representation. He should be commended for his dedication and service. On behalf of the entire NALC, we send out sincere condolences to his family, friends, and co-workers” President Rolando stated.

Coronavirus deaths

Dennis John Silver died Dec. 10, 2020. After Brother Silver’s service in the U.S. Army, he moved to Reno, NV, and started with the Postal Service in 1978. He worked at the Sparks Post Office and was a member of Branch 2778. He retired in 2013 after 35 years of service. Dennis is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda, as well as his daughter Amy. He was 74.

Tony Weaver died Dec. 27, 2020. Tony started his Postal career in 1987 and retired in 2018 after 31 years of service. Brother Weaver was a member of Branch 461, Winston Salem, NC. He leaves behind his wife Sharon, daughters Crystal and Sarah, and stepchildren Jeremy and Lindsay. He was 61.

Neil Thomas Lydon died Jan. 6, 2021, at the age of 77. In 1964 Brother Lydon served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. In 1986 he began his career for the Postal Service where he ended up working for 19 years until his retirement in 2005. Brother Lydon was a member of Branch 2778 Sparks, NV. He leaves behind seven children.

Sandra Miller died May 17, 2021, at the age of 62. Sandra first donned a mail satchel in 1995 in Fairbanks, AK. She later transferred to Alabama where she worked in several offices and ended up at the Ozark Post Office. Sister Miller belonged to Wiregrass Area Local Branch 1630. She is survived by her four children, Anedra, Minnie, L.V. Miller III, and Loke.

Meredith Pierce died Jun. 5, 2021. Sister Pierce was a member of Tri-Valley Branch 2902 and worked at the East Ventura, CA, Post Office. She had over 37 years with the Postal Service, starting her career in 1983. Meredith is survived by her husband and children. She was 61.

David Ruedi died Jun. 30, 2021. Brother Ruedi worked at the Chico Post Office and had 24 years of service. He was a member of Branch 133, Sacramento, CA. He was 47.

On-duty deaths

Ronald Riedel died Jun. 7, 2021, when he suffered a heart attack in the performance of his duties. He was a United States Navy Veteran who served during the Persian Gulf War. Brother Riedel entered on duty with the Postal Service in 1998. He carried mail for 23 years and worked at the Downers Grove, IL, Post Office, belonging to Branch 1870. He is survived by his wife Susan and children Daniel and Angeline. He was 61.

Dalvir Bassi died Jun. 19, 2021, after suffering from heat stroke while delivering mail on his very first day on his own. He worked at the 7 Trees Station and was a member of Branch 193, San Jose, CA. He leaves behind his wife Amandeep, and sons Sukhjot and Sukhman. He was 51.

Off-duty deaths

Marc Tuxbury died Jun. 15, 2021, in a tragic off-duty motor vehicle accident. Marc was a member of Branch 34, Boston, MA. He became a city carrier in 2000 and worked at the Fort Point Station. He was 48.

Travis Seabolt died Jul. 8, 2021, from unknown causes. He was a United States Army disabled veteran of the Iraq war. In 2013, after his military service, he became a city letter carrier. He worked at the Bowling Green Post Office and belonged to South Central Kentucky Branch 468. He was 35.

Arlene Manners died Jun. 30, 2021, in a tragic incident. In 2017 she joined the Postal Service and Branch 860 Honolulu, HI. Sister Manners leaves behind four children. She was 39.

“On behalf of the entire NALC, we mourn the loss of these letter carriers to the coronavirus as well as the brothers and sisters lost from other causes.” President Rolando stated. “We send our condolences and deepest sympathies to the friends, family, and co-workers of those lost.”