Salinas, CA — After 79 years of combined service, a Special Delivery Messenger and distribution clerk put a final postmark on their retirement papers.
On Friday, October 30, at 9:00 am, Special Delivery Messenger Oscar Cunanan and clerk Josephine Lopez will post their last letters amid a retirement celebration at Steinbeck Station, 100 W. Alisal Street, Salinas, CA.
Salinas Postmaster Irma Solis-Smith and Nancy de Serpa of Congressman Sam Farr’s office will lead off the fan fare.
Cunanan began his postal career 37 years ago as a letter carrier in zones 93905 and 93906 in Salinas. After 13 years of delivering the mail, he landed his “dream job” as a Special Delivery Messenger. When Special Delivery service ended, Cunanan spent the next two decades delivering Express Mail throughout the Salinas area. Cunanan says his wife, who retired from the Spreckles Post Office last year, has a long list of chores already listed. Between fishing, they both plan to spend more time with their grandchildren.
Josephine Lopez, known as Vivian by her co-workers, began her postal career 42 years ago as a dispatch clerk in the basement of Steinbeck Station. Lopez moved upstairs when she became a distribution and window clerk. One of her touching memories that has stayed with her over the years was seeing a homeless couple who had a PO Box. The wife was pregnant, and Lopez, known for her compassion, took up a collection from employees and put together a basket full of baby clothes. She then left a “notice slip” in their PO Box and waited for them to come to the window to retrieve their package. The couple expressed surprise to Lopez, saying they didn’t know anyone that would send them a package. Lopez still recalls the tears the wife shed when she saw the gift of baby clothes.
Lopez belongs to the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 31, and volunteers her time at the Post. She was a Team Captain for the employees of the Salinas Post Office “Relay for Life.” Lopez plans to spend more time with her grandchildren, and more trips to Las Vegas.
Media Alert: For photo and interview opportunities, contact Salinas Postmaster Irma Solis-Smith at 831-757-0218
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