If you’ve spent time in Hellertown at any point over the last three decades, odds are good that you’ve crossed paths with letter carrier Tom Moulder.

The borough’s beloved mailman of 32 years enjoyed his last day of work on Friday, which was capped off with a send-off party for him at the post office.

Moulder has quite literally been everywhere. His typical work day started around 3:30 a.m. and included 15 miles of walking on his mail-delivery route. He’s been carrying mail for 34 years and spent the last 32 in Hellertown.

“I’m happy to retire because of my legs, knees and my feet. But I love the people, that’s the whole thing. I’ve met a lot of friends. I just wanted to thank everyone that let me deliver their mail every day,” said Moulder.

Moulder loves the residents of Hellertown. His energy and kindness certainly did not go unrecognized by community members.

A sandwich board sign was used to congratulate longtime Hellertown mailman Tom Moulder on his last day as a letter carrier Friday. (Credit: Justin Carlucci)

“One of the things I was impressed with was his personality. He’s this way with everyone – always asking, how are you doing?” said his neighbor, Beverly. “And then I heard that he saved a woman’s life who hadn’t gotten her mail. Her medication – she hadn’t picked it up since the day before. He looked in the window and saw her feet, she was on the ground. He’s made a big difference. Every block, someone will have a different story about the impact Tom had on them,” she added.

What’s next for Moulder? He’s a part-time realtor with Grace Realty, which will keep him busy. He said he also plans to do plenty of jobs around the house and travel with his wife, Chin Chih, who he jokingly called his new boss.

“He has a heart of gold and is always helping people out, especially the customers on his route,” said Hellertown Postmaster Joe Di Russo, who has worked with Moulder for about eight years.

“He has a lot of seniors on his route and is always watching over them one way or another. We are all going to miss him,” he added.

You can still catch Moulder going for a daily walk around town, and just maybe he’ll still carry an extra stamp or two in his pocket in case you forget yours.

Happy Anniversary

Moulder, who is originally from Philadelphia, has lived in Hellertown for about 20 years with Chin Chih. Feb. 14 marks their anniversary. The couple unexpectedly met years ago on a golf course in Florida while Tom was on vacation.

“I went to Clearwater Beach Country Club. The clubhouse worker said, ‘have you ever golfed here before?’ I said, ‘no.’ He said, ‘I don’t want you golfing by yourself, it’s a long course, do you mind golfing with this girl?'” Moulder recalled.

Moulder said they still golf together and noted that his wife is a great golfer.