The Three Amigos—NAPS Giants

The Three Amigos—NAPS Giants
By Dee Perez
NAPS Northeast Region Vice President

Almost four months have passed since the death of Northeast Region Vice President Tommy Roma on March 11. I knew Secretary/Treasurer Jimmy Warden would remember Tommy in his Postal Supervisor column as Jimmy knew him best. His June column, if you missed it, is worth reading. It is an excellent, well-written homage to two, recently deceased, extraordinary NAPS leaders.

Now is the right time for me to take a moment to express a few words on behalf of three NAPS giants who no longer are with us—all of whom were best of friends.

Our NAPS family suffered the loss of New England legend and former NAPS Executive Vice President Jay Killackey in March 2024. Then, in March 2025, we lost our beloved Northeast Region Vice President Tommy Roma, Then, a few weeks later, we lost Charlie Scialla, founder of the NAPS DDF and co-author of Title 39.

How ironic—fate or providence—that the three died in the same month, albeit Jay in 2024.

These were three giant men—assets to NAPS who are irreplaceable. However, they mentored many of us through their friendship, experiences, thought processes, lessons and words that still ring true to each of those fortunate enough to have brken bread, traveled and attended NAPS conventions, training seminars and branch meetings with them. I miss each one of them dearly on so many different levels and for so many reasons.

One recent, early morning, I was mentally reflecting—a tendency that often occurs in the wee hours when I should be asleep. I began to think about the current state of the Postal Service—politically and in light of the ever-decreasing volumes—that present challenges that we, as NAPS leaders, are facing today.

As I was lying in bed, I began to recall each of these men and how they would greet and answer my calls. I remember their unique greetings as if it were yesterday, which brought a smile and a tear to my eyes.

Jay always would say, “Hello, Mr. Deeeeeee.”

Tommy would say, “What’s going on, kid?”

Charlie would say, “El Cubano, how ya doing?”

Jay always understood the pulse of the membership and knew how to partner with the USPS to achieve results; he was brilliant in building lasting relationships.

Tommy had his distinct Brooklyn, NY, style. He didn’t mince words; you didn’t need to guess where you stood with him—you knew. He honored loyalty and when he said he would help you, there was no better person in your corner.

Charlie, a brilliant mind, was someone in whom people confided 100%; nobody could pull the wool over his eyes. He had you all figured out in a few minutes. Nobody knew all the rules better than he did. He was the ELM!

Nobody can fill the shoes of these three, giant amigos; they are irreplaceable. The lessons they imparted are what we pass on to teach “you”—the next generation of NAPS leaders. Their footprint on NAPS will remain forever. As Tommy often said to all of us, “I have to stay and teach you!”

Rest in peace, my giant amigos. Your footprints will remain everlasting in NAPS.