Beloved mailman to retire after 30 years walking his LW route

by Ruth Osborn

rutho_news@lwsb.com

Residents in Mutuals 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are sorry to see their faithful, funny and chummy mailman call it a career after 30 years of solicitious service and lots of dog treats for their furry friends.

Julian Pietrzak has been serving LW since 1991 and plans to retire at the end of this month. In addition to distributing letters and packages, he has liberally lent a helping hand, a listening ear and keen sense of humor (maybe a little offcolor at times, he admits).

“I’ve experienced numerous acts of kindness. People are so nice and kind,” said the Cypress resident, who has an easy smile and affable personality.

It’s also flat and safe here, two big pluses for Julian. He’s in constant motion for most of his day, which starts at 8:30 a.m. and can end at 8 p.m., if he’s covering someone else’s shift.

That can add up to 18-20 miles, so level ground is a big plus.

As for feeling safe, in all his 30 years, he’s never been physically threatened, by man or dog, in LW.

He took care of any potential canine conflict by doing what he does best, building a rapport, this one between him and the dogs on his route.

In 2001, when dogs were first allowed in LW, Julian knew it could be a problem for him. So he researched and found the best treats—Pup-peroni is what the dogs like best—and he keeps a package in his top pocket at all times.

It’s a win-win. Most of the dogs on his route are happily waiting for his arrival, along with many of their humans.

Julian’s service often goes above and beyond delivering the daily mail. He doesn’t have to brave sleet and snow, but there were times when he was able to save the day for LWers.

One time a woman fell and could not get up. He heard her screaming and was able to help her up and calm her down.

He’s been known to fix a quick breakfast for the infirm, and he routinely gives time he can’t really spare. (The U.S. Postal Service equips mail carriers with GPS devices that track their movements to make sure they are covering their routes as quickly as possible.) He listens to people. He tells jokes to make them laugh. He knows that, for some, his visit is the only one of the day.

“I’m very outgoing,” he said. “I try to make friends. I want to help people. If something needs doing, I will do it.”

“He isn’t just a mailman,” said Gloria Arganda of Mutual 4. “He checked on me, listened to my stories and my problems. I’m going to miss him so much.”

She’s not the only one.

“I have lived in many places, and I have never had a mailman like Julian,” said Kathy Bloomfield of Mutual 4. “I have nothing but praise for this man. He is just beloved.”

She, her husband, Mark, and several of their like-minded neighbors are helping coordinate a retirement party on Nov. 7 from noon-3 p.m.

They hand-delivered over 550 invitations to residents on Julian’s route.

“There were people crying when they found out he was retiring,” Kathy said. “He has girlfriends all over the place, and the dogs will miss him more than anything.”

They expect more than 120 people to attend the party. For more information, email markbloomfield54@ gmail.com.

It will be a bittersweet goodbye for sure.

His LW friends are sad to see him go but happy that he has a peaceful retirement ahead.

“I plan to recuperate from this job and just regroup,” he said. “Then I would like to get in my car and take my wife, Edde, and just drive.”

He hopes to see Arizona, Texas, Idaho, Wyoming.

But before he leaves LW, he will have to bid farewell to the hundreds of LWers who look forward to seeing him every day.

“I would thank all my customers for the over 30 years of friendship, kindness and just being decent to one another, and I mean it from the bottom of my heart.”