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Changing routes

Postman Tony decides to hang up his mail bag

by Carrie Steinweg and Melanie Jongsma

LANSING, Ill. (December 16, 2017) – Tony is famous to a specific section of Lansing—his postal route. He’s famous not just because of his reliable efficiency and friendly nature, but also because every year around Christmas he dresses up as Santa when he delivers the mail.

On Saturday the Lansing residents on Tony’s route received a special card in their mailboxes—

Tony
Tony’s message to the people on his route is: “On December 30th, I will be delivering your mail for the last time, as I will be retiring. Before I start this new chapter of my life, I would like to say it’s been a pleasure serving your postal needs. I’ve always strived to provide you with the best service possible. Also, may your home be filled with special moments and good health this Christmas and throughout the new year. …And to all a good night, Tony” (Photo: Carrie Steinweg)

It was a classy goodbye, delivered in true Tony fashion.

Merry Christmas, Tony. And Happy Retirement.

Tony
Postman Tony delivers a last round of holiday greetings. (This is the photo Tony included on the back of his announcement card.)

 

Carrie Steinweg
Carrie Steinweg
Carrie Steinweg is a freelance writer, photographer, author, and food and travel blogger who has lived in Lansing for 27 years. She most enjoys writing about food, people, history, and baseball. Her favorite Lansing Journal articles that she has written are: "Lan Oak Lanes attracts film crew," "Why Millennials are choosing Lansing," "Curtis Granderson returns home to give back," "The Cubs, the World Series, fandom, and family," and "Lansing's One Trick Pony Brewery: a craft beer oasis."

8 COMMENTS

  1. We had the delight of having Tony as our mail carrier. Tony was always full of joy and life, always wearing a smile and warm greeting. Often wearing shorts on the cooler days and dressing up for the different holiday celebrations. I will miss him. Tony may the next season of your life be filled with joy and purpose, you have so much love to give. We will miss you. God bless you my friend.

    The Brobst Family on Ridgewood.

  2. Tony was one of the very best!! Hope he has a wonderful new journey! Meery Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
    The Waitekus Family

  3. Tony, while working at Armandos, we always look forward to seeing your smiling face and cheerful mail delivery. Your Christmas spirit always brought much joy to us as well. Good luck in your retirement and whatever you choose to do. Just remember you brought joy to a lot of people, not only the mail.

  4. God bless you Tony in your retirement! It was such a blessing to get to know you over the years! You are someone my kids will always remember, since you taught them that bottled water was not necessary, and drinking straight from the garden hose was the cool thing to do! 😉 We will miss seeing you around town, and hearing all about your growing family. You have blessed so many with your smile, your laugh, and so much more. We will miss you. Enjoy your retirement, your grand kids, and maybe a little golf! – the Meloys

  5. Tony, even though you’ve been our mailman for just over a year, we have come to love you. You are truly a bright ray of sunshine and one of the most compassionate, caring persons I’ve ever known. You may be retiring from the USPS but with all the energy you have I know you will not be sitting on your sofa. I think it’s safe to bet you will be helping anyone who needs help and providing service to all you know and are yet to meet. Happy retirement our friend. We will miss seeing your smiling face. God Bless You.
    Dennis and Jeanne Spivey

  6. Tony, we have been blessed by having you deliver our mail for the last 24 Year’s. You have served the US PS and your route people very well. Always entertaining, always funny, but also very conscientious of all my packages that you deliver and put in a safe place for me. I’m not going to mention how you bust my chops about my online shopping. Will keep those comments just between you and I.
    Thank you for serving all of us tell me you are genuinely a really good person. We wish you the best in the next step of your life.

  7. Tony, while you never delivered my mail, you did deliver volumes of memorable moments as neighbors.

    Many blessings in this new phase of your life.

    The costume suggests perhaps “a Bad Santa” routine for your last day?

    Pat & Jim

Comments are closed.