On one of the coldest days of the year, residents of the Historic District braved the menacing wind and gathered to celebrate the retirement of Jay Moran. Jay, the district’s mail carrier, a son of a mail carrier, had been an integral part of Old Stratford’s daily life for 39 years.
“Jay always had a smile to share,” said Mayor David Chess, one of Jay’s decades-long customers. “Nothing, not the weather, the weight of mail he was delivering, my dogs, ever changed his kindness and smile.”
More than just a smile or his endless kindness, Jay shared his varied interests with many residents: hockey, running, different religious customs. On Thanksgiving mornings, neighbors gathered on Elm Street to cheer Jay as he ran in the Turkey Trot. They followed his other running adventures and bought the well-researched book he wrote about hockey.
“My customers are my family,” Jay said. To Richard Elias, an Old Stratford resident for 14 years, “Jay has been an important cohesive element in our community.” “A smile, a greeting, or a hat-tip… these are the gestures that make up the fabric of our community,” added Tom Yemm, who had been exchanging such gestures with Jay for decades.
Last Sunday, as a grateful community came together, Jay’s “family” showered him with gratitude, hugs, gifts and well-wishes. A bittersweet farewell to a good friend.
It was the refrain that clinched it: He’s very nice, and he doesn’t have lice.
So grateful to see this expression of warmth and COMMUNITY! Wishing Jay many restful and fulfilling years ahead.
Such a fitting and loving tribute to one of our finest federal workers,who brave rain, snow, and mad dogs to bring us important documents, from tax records to birthday cards.
John Barnes