Petruccelli Retires as Postmaster

“I can’t believe this,” said Windham postmaster Karen Petruccelli, overcome with emotion as Windham town supervisor Thomas Hoyt presented a Proclamation from Senator Michelle Hinchey and a Citation from Assemblyman Chris Tague on her final day of work.

A surprise party was put together, last week, by postal clerks Heidi Schwarz (left) and Yvonne Mead, with Schwarz being named Officer-in-Charge, pending the naming of a new postmaster.

“We will miss her,” said Elli Carpenter (right) a former clerk at the Windham post office, saying “goodbye” to retiring postmaster Karen Petruccelli.

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM - The balloons pretty much gave it away when a surprise party for retiring Windham postmaster Karen Petruccelli went slightly awry.

Petruccelli has retired after 31 years with the United States Postal Service including the past decade as the local maestra of missives.

“I can’t believe this,” Petruccelli said, unsuccessfully holding back tears as town supervisor Thomas Hoyt presented a Proclamation on behalf of Senator Michelle Hinchey, marking the occasion.

Hoyt also delivered a Citation from Assemblyman Chris Tague, noting Petruccelli’s final day at the office, on October 29, with her official retirement coming two days later.

“I’ve literally spent half my life with the post office,” an emotional Petruccelli said. “There have been ups and down, like anything, but I’ve met a lot of really great people and I honestly did not expect this.”

Her co-workers likewise did not expect her to come to the job well before the opening bell, last Wednesday morning, even if wasn’t the first time.

“I brought in bagels for everybody, since it was my last day, but when I walked in I saw the balloons and food,” Petruccelli said, smiling.

“Heidi was shaking her head, asking me what I was doing there so early,” Petruccelli said, referring to longtime postal clerk Heidi Schwarz.

“Karen is pretty much a legend around here,” said Schwarz who has been appointed temporary Officer-in-Charge, pending testing and the eventual naming of a new postmaster.

“It will be very different in the office, for sure. Karen has done everything to prepare us for any situation. We’re as ready as we can be,” Schwarz said.

Petruccelli started out with the USPS in Kingston and figures the timing of her ride off into the sunset is perfect. “I love baking and cooking for the holidays but couldn’t always do it, over the years,” she says.

“Holidays are the peak season at the post office so I plan to do a lot of baking now, and I hope to do some pottery and learn the guitar.”

Again unable to stem back tears, Petruccelli said, “I thought about this but it didn’t really hit me until now. This is hard, but it is right.

“Windham is a beautiful town and the people are wonderful. They greeted me with open arms from the first day and I thank them,” Petruccelli said.

Hinchey, in her Proclamation stated, “the duty of this Senator to recognize those individuals who have served their communities with distinction and devoted their careers to ensuring the well-being of their fellow citizens.

“Public service is one of the highest and noblest callings. Karen’s tenure with the USPA stands as a shining example of professionalism, reliability and dedication to the people she served.

“She had led with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Throughout her tenure, she earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues and the Windham community through her tireless service,” Hinchey stated.

“During the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Karen’s leadership proved invaluable in maintaining the continuity of postal operations, protecting an essential service.

“Her commitment to her staff, customers and community has made her not only a trusted public servant but also a beloved figure in the town of Windham,” Hinchey stated.

“Karen’s steady hand and caring heart have left a lasting impact. She leaves behind a legacy of dedication, leadership and community service that will continue to inspire others,” Hinchey stated.