For more than two decades, Bill Buda was a familiar face in the neighborhoods between Silver Lake Village and Stow, Ohio. As a USPS mail carrier for 31 years, Bill dedicated 24 of them to walking the same route, forming connections with the families he served. The 59-year-old never missed a shift, rarely taking a day off, and was known for his good work ethic and his commitment to the people on his route.

“When I was a kid, we’d play a game with him, trying to guess which team’s hat he’d be wearing that day,” recalls one resident. Bill’s love of sports and community shone through in small traditions like these. Over the years, the children he once greeted on their way to school grew up, but their fondness for him never faded.

Bill Buda with his family. Photo by Alexa Buda

When Bill decided to retire this year, he asked his family to join him for one last walk through the neighborhood. His daughter Alexa, 27, was especially excited to share in the day with him. What neither of them expected was the overwhelming response from the people on his route. “As we got to the first house, we saw a banner hanging from the porch,” Alexa said. “It said, ‘Happy Retirement, Bill,’ and that was just the start. We had no idea what was coming next.”

Throughout the day, Bill’s neighbors came out to greet him. They had set up a barbecue, offered snacks and water, and shared heartwarming goodbyes. What was typically a seven-hour route stretched into nearly 10 hours as Bill and his family stopped to chat with almost everyone along the way.

Bill Buda with some of the people on his route. Photo by Alexa Buda

Alexa, a content creator, documented the day, later posting the footage on TikTok. The video quickly went viral, garnering over 750,000 views and reminding viewers of the simple yet profound impact that people like Bill can have on their communities.

He was more than just a mailman,” one commenter shared. “He was like family.”

Reflecting on her dad’s career, Alexa notes that he hadn’t always planned to work for the postal service. Bill once had dreams of becoming a professional basketball player, but a heart condition ended his athletic ambitions. His father advised him to find a job that would keep him active, and the mail route became that perfect fit.

“We always say this job saved his life,” Alexa said. “Walking 13 to 14 miles a day kept him healthy in ways nothing else could.” As Bill retires, he said he is looking forward to what’s next. His plans? “Any sporting event I can get to,” he said. “It’s my turn now.”

Sources: People | Good Morning America