Recently two Members decided to exchange a time card for a retirement watch! Together these gentlemen have 77 years of Union Membership between them. Here’s a little bit about them:

Charlie Maletestinic: Charlie retired from UPS this past September after 37 years of pushing, pulling, lifting, and lowering packages. Like most long-term UPS Members Charlie started as a part-time employee in the Harrisburg Hub at the age of 19. When Charlie turned 21 he became a package car driver, where he remained for 35 years. During that time Charlie attained 25 years of safe driving behind the wheel of a UPS vehicle.

With retirement Charlie is looking forward to some more time to devote to his two hobbies; archery hunting and fishing.

 Charlie and his wife Cheri, who is also retired, have two boys to keep them busy. In a true act of love and devotion to each other and their family, they will be undertaking a big responsibility. One of their sons has special needs. In a selfless gesture, Charlie and Cheri are renovating their present house to further meet the needs of their son and two additional people with special needs. As a group home facility, they will have care available 24 hours a day. Charlie and Cheri will be close by; they will be building another home two blocks away to stay in touch with their son.

When asked if he had any parting words or advice Charlie replied: “Over 37 years it was an awesome experience. I’m appreciative of the Union and the company; the benefits were great. Looking back I’ve got no regrets and would do it again.”

From everyone at Local 776 congratulations on your retirement Charlie!

Charlie shows off his watch to Local 776 BA Dave Licht (L) and Local 776 Secretary-Treasurer Ron Hicks

John Meyer: John retired from Hershey Medical Center on August 30^th after amassing 40 years of service! John started at the Med Center on June 25, 1984. He worked as a plumber/pipefitter in the trades department and was also a shop steward for many years.  He was originally a member of Teamsters Local 8 for five years. When Local 776 took over the Hershey Medical Center contract in 1999 John became a member of Local 776 where he amassed another 35 years of Union Membership.

His wife is also a Local 776 member; she works in the Housekeeping Dept. They have been married for 45 years and have a daughter and grandchildren who will be looking for more time with John now that he is retired!

From everyone at Local 776 congratulations on your retirement John, 40 years is quite an accomplishment!

Local 776 BA Dave Vrona (L) presents John with his retirement watch.