One-fourth of the U.S. government workforce might be furloughed at present but at the U.S. Postal Service office in Perry, it was business as usual Monday — except for one unusual thing: after delivering the mail along Second Street in downtown Perry since 1988, Ricky Pentico has hung up his mail bag and retired.
Pentico was joined by many fellow postal workers, former postal workers and old friendsĀ for a retirement party, where cake, breads and breakfast pizza were served amid much good fellowship.
U.S. Postal Service Postmistress Janelle Hall presented the retiring Pentico with a certificate of appreciation in gratitude for his 30 years of service to the residents in the 50220 zip code.
The Penticos of Perry have served well in excess of 100 years with the U.S. Postal Service, from the family patriarch, Jim Pentico, who retired from the post office more than 25 years ago, to brothers Richard Pentico, Ron Pentico and Randy Pentico and now on to a third generation, with Richard’s son, Michael Pentico, also dressing in blue.
Family matriarch Marilyn Pentico said she is proud of all her boys.
At 56, Ricky Pentico has plenty of working life left, and he said he is exploring several local emplpyment options. In the meantime, he will continue to assist his father and brothers in their lawn-care and snow-removal businesses.
Congrats, Ricky! Thanks for your years of service!
Cheerful, helpful, reliable, honest, hard-working — these are just a few adjectives that come to mind when describing Mr. Pentico and his government service. Best wishes and congratulations on your retirement, Ricky! You have done a splendid job in adding to the Pentico tradition.