Carlos Bakurza has long been a familiar face in Holbrook after 44 years of service with USPS. He retires on May 2.
Carlos Bakurza has long been a familiar face in Holbrook after 44 years of service with USPS. He retires on May 2. Photo courtesy of the Bakurza family

Winslow Postmaster

Carlos Bakurza stands as a testament to dedication and service in the community of Holbrook, having faithfully served as a US Postal Service city mail carrier for an impressive 44 years and 5 months, from November 1980 until his anticipated retirement on May 2. A proud Holbrook resident, Bakurza began his journey after graduating from Holbrook High School and quickly transitioned from a local mechanic into a role where he could make a profound impact on those around him.

At the time, Holbrook was a lively little town, and much of the communication that held families and communities together arrived in envelopes—handwritten letters, holiday cards, birthday wishes, news from afar. Over the next four decades, the world changed rapidly, but one thing remained the same: Bakurza’s commitment to his work, to his town, and to the people he served.

He didn’t just deliver mail—he delivered peace of mind. He became a part of the lives of the people on his route. He saw children grow up, families move in and out, and he knew every house, every mailbox and many of the stories that came with them. Some of his route’s residents became lifelong friends. Some just remember his kindness, his dependability, or that small moment when his presence made their day feel a little more connected.

Throughout his extensive career at the Holbrook Post Office, Bakurza has built invaluable relationships with the community. He remembers the days when he delivered mail on foot, personally connecting with residents as he brought them letters, magazines, and advertisements. Now, with the rise in package deliveries, he expertly utilizes a postal-issued LLV truck to efficiently serve over 875 addresses in the upper part of Holbrook, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to customer service.

Bakurza ‘s pride in being a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier is evident and has positively influenced his family, who deeply appreciate the stability and support his career has provided. The presence of his granddaughter’s mini toy postal LLV truck and child-sized USPS uniform highlights the admiration she holds for him and his essential work in the community.

As Bakurza prepares to retire, he celebrates not only his achievement of completing his final holiday season of Christmas deliveries but also the legacy he has created through his unwavering service. Bakurza’s service is wholeheartedly appreciated for the contributions he has made to both the Holbrook Post Office and the broader community.