His file contains commendations and thanks for his years of service, and when Dan Litton departs the Riverside Post Office at the end of December 2020, there will be more of them to add to his personnel file.

Litton is retiring after 41 years with the U.S. Postal Service. Throughout his career, Litton has worked in every department — from letter carrier to the guy who took out the garbage. When a position opened in Riverside, he was trained by Mel Jirik, who he laughingly referred to as his “Postal Daddy.”

Through the years, he’s seen thousands of packages and letters routed through the post office and feels he is a part of a huge operation that makes it easy for people to keep in contact. 

He has led children’s groups on tours of the Riverside Post Office, explaining how packages are sent and even how the Riverside Post Office once was in jeopardy of being closed, and how the late Dr. Bob Novak campaigned to have it to stay open.

While you might not think of a post office as a retail operation, there’s plenty to purchase, and Litton is very proud of his “salesmanship,” having sold the many items that are available for sale there. This year, our little post office was No. 1 in sales across the nation for post offices of its size.

Litton enjoys Riverside and says, “I am thankful I was hired by the Postal Service and have enjoyed the people I have worked with. I appreciate the kindness and conversations with the customers and have developed friendships with many.”

Going over his file, I was surprised to find a congratulatory letter for helping apprehend members of a bad check writing ring (Super Dan, the Postal Man). Another letter refers to him as “Bulk Mailer Dan” for assisting with bulk mailing from Riverside-Brookfield High School. His volunteer spirit is also evident through his participation with campaigns such as Operation Stars and Stripes, which delivered care packages to troops overseas.

There won’t be any party for Dan, but stop in to wish him the best and maybe do some last-minute shopping.

Yes, Dan Litton will be missed by his customers and friends, and we hope he will come back to Riverside to visit or maybe mail a letter or package. Thanks for everything you have done, Dan, the Post Office Man.