On June 28, postal carrier John Schaefer filled his final mailbox, capping nearly four decades with the United States Postal Service.
For those close to Schaefer, the reaction was universal: “Wow. He actually did it.” Flirting with retirement for years, the relentless mailman always seemed to come back for “one more year” as he kept his route along Sombrero Beach Road.
Schaefer’s 38-year postal career began in 1987 in Lake Worth, Florida after his service in the U.S. Navy. He transferred “back home” to Ohio before eventually escaping to paradise in the Florida Keys, where he’s maintained one of the most visible routes in town while acting in just about every role imaginable at the community theater.
Congratulations on 38 years! My your retirement be long and healthy.