Pat Flynn, Newfane’s mailman for 32 years, is retiring.

NEWFANE, VT — Pat Flynn has delivered mail to every home in Newfane for 32 years. He grew up in Newfane, worked his whole career with the Postal Service in Newfane and now plans to retire in Newfane. “I pretty much know everyone in town,” said Pat, “I like it here and don’t plan to leave.”

Pat began his postal career as a part-time substitute rural carrier delivering Townsend, Wardsboro and Newfane mail. As the towns grew, his route changed to what it is today, delivering Newfane and Brookline. “I enjoy keeping an eye on the elderly residents in town,” Pat said.  Over the years, he has helped a number of his older customers who had fallen, including the mother of his former postmaster. Pat recalled, “She was sitting on the ground, next to her running lawn mower. I asked if I could help but she insisted she was fine, so I left her and called the postmaster who went to see her. It turned out she had a broken leg.” Pat remembers stopping by the following day and asking if, next time, she’d let him help her, she said, “Well, maybe.” “These are very independent folks who don’t want to be a burden to others.” said Pat.

Pat has also kept his eye on the mail of the town’s elderly customers. “If it began to build up in the mailbox, for more than a couple of days,” he said, “I’d go knock on the door to see if everything was alright.” If no one responded, he would call a family member or friend to come check on them. Pat’s Postmaster, Sherry Sieratski describes him as “A great representative of the Postal Service, always looking out for his customers and a pleasure to work with.”

The town is planning a retirement celebration for Pat on Friday, October 12, at the Newfane Union Hall and Sherry is inviting everyone to join in from 4 to 7 p.m.