Jay Killackey—a Mentor and Leader to Many

Jay Killackey—a Mentor and Leader to Many
By John Russell
Former Branch 43 Sergeant-at-Arms

Soon after I started working as an LSM operator in the 1980s, the federal government announced there were going to be major changes made to the Civil Service Retirement System. As a young man, I didn’t give it much thought. However, many of my co-workers were excited about the idea of being able to manage their own retirement funds. It was at this time I was approached by a man called Jay who told me I absolutely not should change my retirement plan. I took his advice.

The years progressed and I be-came a mail processing supervisor. During that time, I made a bad judgment call and put myself in a position where I could potentially lose my job. Sitting in the Labor Relations office, contemplating the possibility of losing my job, my future looked bleak.

That was when the door opened and in walked Jay. I had completely forgotten about my membership in NAPS. The next few months were very trying, but my membership in NAPS entitled me to my pay, as well as representation by Jay.

Much to my relief, I was given a second chance by the Postal Service. I was so thankful for Jay’s help and, because I’m a Boston guy, I approached him with an envelope. He smiled and said, “Put that away. All I want you to do is start coming to NAPS meetings.”

I started attending meetings and became a member of the Boston Branch 43 Executive Board. During my tenure, I met many NAPS officers from around the country and shared postal experiences, as well as friendship. None of that would have happened without Jay’s in- fluence.

Over the years, I watched Jay rise from Branch 43 president to New England Area vice president and on to NAPS Headquarters as secretary-treasurer and then executive vice president.

As we approach the one year-anniversary of Jay’s passing on March 21, I mourn his loss greatly. But I am so thankful for his guidance, as are so many others throughout the country who benefited from his wisdom.

Editor’s note: In 2024, Boston Branch 43 was renamed Killackey- Russell Branch 43 in honor of the two longtime members. Killackey joined in 1979 and mentored a generation of branch members, serving as a NAPS DDF advocate. Russell served as Branch 43’s sergeant-at-arms from 1992 through 2015. He, too, has mentored a new generation of members, as well as being a tire-less advocate.