RIDGEWOOD — Hundreds of neighbors packed into the banquet hall of St. Elizabeth’s church. Presents were stacked up on a fold-out table. Cake was cut. A DJ blared Journey’s tale of working-class love, “Don’t Stop Believin’.” But no bride or groom were in sight.
The man of the hour, Bill Olave. The occasion, a thank you from the residents whose lives he touched over 17 years serving the same mail route on the West Side. .
Being a mailman, Olave said, “It’s more than putting pieces of paper in tin boxes.”
While retirement is hardly in the works for the 52-year-old Ridgewood resident, a recent shakeup across the U.S. Postal Service required local offices to combine routes, shifting Olave to a new neighborhood. Read more at NorthJersey.com
This is Bill Olave. Living Life with everyone in Ridgewood NJ is an honor. Thank you ?
You’re welcome. I retired in 2006 with 35 years in – city letter carrier.
Rick Owens 35 years still going strong ? thank you so much all the best to you and your family! Really appreciate you!
Thank you for the kind words, William. I can’t say I am still going strong though. I am now age 72 and suffer with stage 4 COPD. Again, thank you.
This is Bill Olave Ridgewood Post Office. 35th Year here in Ridgewood! I would love to be here in with everyone on my route 18. Until I decide to retire.
Hi Bill – hope you’re doing well. Loved your story. You sound like the old-time great carriers I worked with for 35 years. I retired in 2007. Stay safe! Rick Owens – PEN