Thompson Introduces Bill to Rename Post Office after Marine Corps Veteran, Longtime Letter Carrier

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) introduced legislation today to designate the Mahaffey Post Office in Mahaffey, Pennsylvania, as the “Robert Allen Bishop, Sr. Post Office.” U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced the companion bill in the Senate. 
 
Robert Allen Bishop, Sr. was a Marine Corps veteran, a longtime letter carrier in Mahaffey, and a staple in the local community.  
 
Born in 1936, Bishop graduated from Punxsutawney Area High School in 1954 and enlisted in the Marine Corps at 22. He served in the Marines for six years and completed an overseas tour in Japan, obtaining the rank of Corporal and earning the Expert Rifleman’s badge.
 
After completing his service requirements, Bishop returned to Pennsylvania. He co-owned and operated the Lightner & Bishop General Store with his wife, Jean. The store was an economic hub for the community, often used as a convenience store, restaurant, and bank. Today, the building that housed the general store is home to the Mahaffey Post Office.
 
Bishop was a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Mahaffey, Pennsylvania, for 36 years. During his tenure, he was awarded the Million Mile Award, which is given to letter carriers who drive one million miles or for 30 years with no preventable accidents. Additionally, he served with the Mahaffey Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance as an EMT, despite being a below-knee amputee for most of his life.
 
Bishop passed away on June 15, 2023, after distinguished service to his country and community.
 
“Mr. Bishop dedicated his life to service, as a Marine and a dedicated member of the community,” Rep. Thompson said. “Renaming the Mahaffey Post Office after him will be a testament to his selfless nature, and a leading example for generations to come.”
 
“Mr. Bishop was one of the very best of us whose story shows years of hard work in his community and serving our country,” Senator Fetterman said. “I’m proud to join my colleagues on this effort to recognize and celebrate someone who exemplified all the true values of what makes our commonwealth so great.”
 
“Renaming this post office in honor of Mr. Robert Allen Bishop Sr. is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to service; both to his country and his community,” PA State Rep. Mike Armanini said. “From his role as a volunteer EMT and local business owner to his decades as a mail carrier, Bob embodied the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion. His story reminds us that true heroes often serve quietly, making a lasting impact on the lives of those around them.”
 
“Bob was the best of us. Whether he was serving his country as a Marine or serving his community in Mahaffey, he did so selflessly and with a commitment to helping others,” said Bishop's granddaughter, Bailey Bishop. “We can think of no better way to honor his legacy than by naming the post office building—formerly the site of our family store—after him. The Bishop family is deeply thankful to Representative Thompson and his staff for leading this effort, and we look forward to its passage."
 
"Robert 'Bob' Bishop Sr. represented the very best of Mahaffey. He dedicated his life to serving others, whether through the postal service, the volunteer fire department, or simply caring for neighbors along his route,” said Nichole Parrish,  Bell Township Secretary and Treasurer. “Renaming the Mahaffey Post office in his honor is a fitting tribute to a man whose service, kindness, and commitment left a lasting mark on our community."  
 
Read the full text here.