Two Great Legends Have Left Us

Two Great Legends Have Left Us
By Jimmy Warden
NAPS Secretary/Treasurer

In March, NAPS lost two great legends—two men who always stood for what was right for our members and whose belief in building relationships was for the betterment of our members—Thomas Roma and Charles Scialla.

On March 11, Northeast Region Vice President and my good friend Tommy Roma lost his battle with cancer. Tommy was just diagnosed in January. It is ironic he died on March 11. On March 11, 2020, the NAPS Headquarters building was dedicated and named the Vincent Palladino Building. Vince was a longtime friend of Tommy.

Tommy was a 47-year member of NAPS; he served on the NAPS Executive Board for 25 years. Tommy was a believer in having work teams with the Postal Service to get things done and improve the work environment. He always said Vinny Palladino told him, “Negotiating is a give and take; just make sure you get a little more than you give.”

Tommy always believed nothing was impossible. One of his favorite quotes was from Dr. Norman Vincent Peale who said, “If you think you can, you can!” If someone asked Tommy a question or his opinion, he always gave his honest position. It may not be the answer someone was looking for, but Tommy was honest and would let you know what he thought.

Many people only knew Tommy’s NAPS side. On the personal side, he was a true believer in his faith in God and helping those who needed help, including animals. He donated to many charities that rescued animals. Although Tommy had a strong will to live, he did not fear death as his faith in God gave him a path here on earth to one day live in eternal life.

That is what Tommy believed in. And that path meant helping those in need. He believed God places people in the right place at the right time so they may help one another when in need. This was Tommy’s motivation with NAPS—if he could make a difference and benefit the membership, he would.

On March 31, former Disciplinary Defense Fund Provider Charles Scialla died. Charlie had been our DDF provider for many years; he established the DDF when asked by Vince Palladino. Charlie retired from the Postal Service as director of Labor Relations of the Northeast Region.

After retiring, he established the NAPS Disciplinary Defense Fund. It was through Charlie’s efforts that many of our members were helped throughout the years. Many would have lost their positions and employment with the Postal Service if not for Charlie Scialla and the NAPS DDF.

Based on his years of experience in Labor Relations, he knew the rules, regulations and procedures. Charlie, like Tommy, also believed in building relationships as it only could benefit the members. He always said NAPS is not a union; it is an association. Building that relationship only can help!

On Charlie’s retirement from the DDF, he ensured NAPS would be in good hands, turning the company over to Al Lum who worked for Charlie for many years and also is a former Labor Relations specialist. Charlie did not just walk away from NAPS. After his retirement, he never refused a call from a branch officer asking for assistance or guidance. He always was available!

Tommy and Charlie both were honorable men. They had many heroic traits, such as bravery, integrity, morality, confidence, respect and empathy. Without these, a person dares not be honorable. In the olden days, a person was worth only as much as their word; they treated others as they would want to be treated.

A person’s word is of the utmost importance. Also, treat others with respect and do not shy away from a situation that forces you into defending your beliefs. Let us build on the strength of these two legends.

Tommy and Charlie stood up for what was right and did not back down! NAPS and its members, as well as the United States Postal Service, are in a better place because of these two men.

Rest in peace, my friends. Gone, but never forgotten!