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The NALC is deeply saddened to learn of an additional four letter carriers lost to COVID-19 and the passing of long-time union leader Charlie Hamilton.
Recent letter carrier deaths due to coronavirus
Paul Auwarter died Oct. 28, 2020. Brother Auwarter was a member of Branch 6000, Long Island Merged Branch. Before Brother Auwarter’s retirement in 2015, he worked at the West Hempstead Post Office. He was 67.
Andrew “Andy” Chonko died Mar. 11, 2021. Having started his career in 1977, Andy went on to serve in the USPS for 44 years. He worked at the Athens, OH Post Office. Brother Chonko spent many years serving his fellow letter carriers in many positions, including Employee Involvement facilitator, branch president, and executive board member of the Ohio State Association of Letter Carriers. He is survived by four children and 11 grandchildren. He was 65.
Gregory Pearse died Mar. 28, 2021, at the age of 59. Brother Pearse joined the Postal Service in 2018. He worked at the Lonsdale Station and belonged to branch 319, Knoxville, TN. He is survived by his wife.
Brandon Green Sr died Apr. 26, 2021. Brandon started his career in 2015 and carried mail out of the Lyndhurst Mayfield office. He was a member of Branch 40, Cleveland, OH. Brother Green is survived by his wife and two children. He was 38.
Longtime Branch 84 leader Charlie Hamilton dies
The NALC mourns the passing of Charles Hamilton on March 25th, 2021. Brother Hamilton was a long-time union leader and political activist as well as an Air Force veteran, serving in the Korean War. He started working for the Post Office Department in 1965 and later participated in the strike. Brother Hamilton became a branch leader and helped organize the locals of the Beaver County area and eventually merged with Branch 84, Pittsburgh. For Branch 84, Brother Hamilton served as Vice President and Executive Vice President. After his retirement in 1992 he went on to serve as the President of the Pennsylvania Association of Letter Carriers.
Charlie is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty, children Linda and C.J. and eight grandchildren. He was 89 years old.
“On behalf of the entire NALC, we mourn the loss of these letter carriers to the coronavirus as well as the passing of Brother Hamilton.” President Rolando stated. “Brother Hamilton’s dedication to his fellow brothers and sisters will be missed. We send our condolences and deepest sympathies to the friends, family, and co-workers of those lost.”