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Recent letter carrier deaths due to coronavirus

The NALC is deeply saddened to learn of an additional eleven letter carriers lost to COVID-19.

Duane Dudgeon died Nov. 16, 2020. Duane was a member of Branch 9, Minneapolis, retiring in 1992 and an NALC member for over 50 years. He leaves behind his wife Jean, and children Karen, Paul, and Rena. He was 82.

Griffith Low died Dec. 8, 2020, at the age of 72. Griff started as a letter carrier in 1983, retiring after 31 years in 2014. During his career, Brother Low was a member of Branch 4625, Sonora, CA and served as branch president from 2003 to 2009. He leaves behind his wife and seven children.

Roger S. Mezynski died Dec. 15, 2020. Prior to his postal career which began in 1969, he served in the Marine Corps and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. Roger was a retired gold card member of Branch 12, Worcester, MA and served his branch in many rolls including Executive Vice President. He is survived by his wife Rona, and children Steven and Amy. He was 73.

Robert William “Bob” Meeson died Dec. 23, 2020. Bob was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. Brother Meeson recently became a gold card member, achieving 50 years of NALC membership. He was a retired member of Branch 29, Albany, NY. He is survived by his children, Lance, Lance Myles, Melanie, and Bobby. He was 70.

Patrice Roy died Jan. 24, 2021. Out of high school, Patrice served his country by enlisting in the US Navy. He later joined the Postal Service where he carried mail for over 33 years. In 2019, brother Roy achieved 50 years of NALC membership and became a gold card member of Branch 92, Portland, ME. He is survived by his wife Diane, and children Mike, Scott, and Kevin. He was 78.

Edwin Ventura, of Reseda CA, died Jan. 26, 2021. Brother Ventura served his fellow brothers and sisters in Tri-valley Branch 2902 as an alternate steward. He started his career in 2015 and worked at the Reseda Post Office. He was 30.

Theodore “Ted” Popovich of Blissfield, MI, died Jan. 29, 2021, at the age of 74. Ted was a proud veteran, serving in the Army from 1964-1968. He then carried mail for 45 years before retiring in 2013. Brother Popovich was a gold card member of Branch 385, Youngstown, OH. He is survived by his wife Cheryl, and daughters Deanna and Amanda.

Stanley ‘Stacky’ Wojcik died Feb. 3, 2021. Brother Wojcik started his postal career in 1984 and retired in 2016. Stacky was a member of Branch 66, Wheeling, WV. He is survived by his wife Beverly and son Logan. He was 70.

Gerald Lubin died Feb. 4, 2021, at the age of 80. Before starting his USPS career as a letter carrier in 1985, Gerald was a pioneer of Detroit’s underground radio. Brother Lubin retired from the Postal Service in 2004 and was a member of Branch 3126, Royal Oak, MI.

Harold Long died Feb. 8, 2021, at the age of 81. Brother Long was a retired gold card member of Branch 361, Lexington, KY. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and also served in the National Guard. He began delivering mail in 1965, retiring in 1999 after 34 years of service. He leaves behind his wife Patricia, children Jeffrey, Greggory, and Susan, as well as seven grandchildren.

Melvin Fonville died Feb. 9, 2021. Brother Fonville was a member of Long Island Merged Branch 6000 and worked at the Central Islip post office. He started his career in 1994. He leaves behind his wife and two daughters. He was 64.

“The pandemic continues to bring us pain with the loss of our fellow brothers and sisters” President Rolando stated. “On behalf of the entire NALC, we send our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and co-workers of these letter carriers lost to the coronavirus.”

Letter carriers who died in the line of duty

The NALC is disheartened to learn of the death of Natashia Mix. Sister Mix worked at the Upland, CA Post Office and was a member of Branch 2168. Natashia was an on-the-job instructor and fell ill on her route while training a new employee. She later died Feb. 1, 2020. Natashia started her Postal Service career in 2007 and was 61 years old.

“We send our deepest sympathies and well wishes to Natashia’s friends, families, and co-workers for their loss” President Rolando stated. “Natashia was dedicated to helping her fellow carriers and will be missed.”

Letter carriers killed off duty

The NALC mourns the loss of two letter carriers killed in accidents off the job.

A tragic accident resulting in the death of Jon Brockert occurred on January 13, 2021, when a vehicle lost control and struck his home. Jon’s wife, Michelle, was also killed in the accident. Carrier Brockert started his postal career in 1998 and carried mail in Lima, OH. He leaves behind his children, Aaron, David, and Kristina.

Stephen Walcott was murdered at his home in East Bridgewater, MA, on February 8, 2021. Brother Walcott served in the U.S. Army prior to his postal start in 1983. He worked at the Brockton Post Office. Stephen was a member of Southeast Massachusetts Merged Branch 18. He was 70 and leaves behind his children Stephen and Lisa.

“These deaths are tragic and devastating. On behalf of the NALC, we send our sympathies and condolences to the families, friends, and co-workers of these letter carriers” President Rolando stated.