Patricio Paredes retired from UPS in July after amassing 43 years of service as a Teamster Member. Patricio started at UPS as a part-time employee and worked in preload for five years. When his seniority allowed, he moved to package car, where he remained until retirement. While navigating the big brown truck around town, Patricio earned induction into the UPS Circle of Honor for 25 years of safe driving. Not content with just 25 years of safe driving, he logged a total of 33 years of safe driving before retiring.

Patricio and his wife Margaret have been married for 29 years and have two children. So far, they have no grandkids to spoil, but you never know! Margaret is still working, but her schedule is flexible enough for them to travel.

Retirement gives Patricio time to devote to his main hobby, gardening, mainly raising vegetables to help them eat healthy. He is also trying to pick up golf. A friend is helping him learn. Maybe we'll see him at the Local 776 Golf Tournament next year!

When asked about what retirement means, Patricio reflected: "I'm happy to be retired. UPS is a hard place to work. I'm grateful to God for the opportunities he provided me over the years, which I was able to take advantage of. I'd also like to thank my Business Agent, Jason Kraft. I appreciate all the hard work he puts in representing the UPS Members.

On behalf of everyone at Local 776, congratulations on your retirement, Patricio. 43 years with the same employer is a true testament to a strong Union Contract. May you enjoy retirement for as long as you worked to earn it!

Local 776 Secretary-Treasurer Mark Cicak (R) Congratulates Patricio on his retirement and presents him with a retirement watch.