Dedicated mail carrier gets first-class send-off from neighbors

A much-loved USPS mail carrier who served Waltham neighborhoods for more than 33 years got a retirement send-off he’ll never forget.

On Saturday, more than 80 neighbors in Briarwood showed their appreciation for Paul Ricciardi with a thank you, a note, a sign or a balloon for his dedication and service over the years. His last day on Jan. 31 ended with a surprise party at a house on Van Vechten Street packed with neighbors old and new as well as Ricciardi’s family.

“They fooled me to the max. I didn’t have a clue,” Ricciardi said.

The idea for the celebration and surprise party was spearheaded by Bryan and Kara Platt with help from other neighbors in North Waltham, where Ricciardi served the last 14 years of his long career. 

“Everyone wanted to do something special for Paul on his final delivery day,” Bryan Platt said. “He’s larger than life around here. We all have stories about his dedication to the job and his sense of humor. He’d brighten up a bad day.”

During the COVID pandemic, for instance, Ricciardi didn’t miss a beat. He would show up wearing a mask and gloves, armed with plenty of stories to tell his home-bound customers. “He was our connection to the world,” Platt said.

“Paul was always cheerful. He’d ask how my husband and I were doing and tell us about his granddaughter,” Priscilla Thayer said. “He was like family. I’d make him cookies, and they’d be gone by the time he got back to his truck.”

Neighbor Paul Keating echoed that sentiment and feels like he’s lost a family member. “I’ll miss my afternoon chats with Paul from the window of my truck or sitting on the stoop at my house, talking about anything and everything,” he said. “But he’s earned his retirement for sure, and we all wish him the best.”

Early in his career, Ricciardi was bitten by a dog. Another time, an elderly neighbor fell just as he arrived. He called 911 and stayed with her until help showed up. Despite such mishaps, overall, it was a job he thoroughly enjoyed, he said.

“I’m very grateful for all the people I’ve met during my career,” Ricciardi said. “It’s been amazing, and they showed me how much they care with the way it ended.”

Ricciardi plans to “play a lot of golf” and spend time with his family in retirement. He’s been coach of the Arlington Catholic girls softball team for 15 years, which will keep him busy.

“I also need to catch up on some home jobs that I put off,” Ricciardi said. “Today I went for my car inspection sticker and didn’t have to worry about leaving work early to get it. That’s a start.”

FIVE PICTURES BELOW

Paul Ricciardi with granddaughter. Photo courtesy of Kara Platt.

Family sign for Paul. Photo Courtesy of Kara Platt

Bryan and Kara Platt hosted a surprise party for Paul. Photo courtesy of Kara Platt.

Neighbors celebrate with Paul on his retirement as a dedicated Waltham mail carrier. Photo by Peter Lobo.

Signs of support for retired mail carrier Paul Ricciardi. Photo by Peter Lobo