Mr. Alesci's neighborhood

It was a match made in heaven: a mailman and his delivery route. When Randall Alesci was assigned to the Robie Point neighborhood of Auburn 27 years ago, he never could have imagined that he would retire with a postal-truck full of memories, a second family and the love and respect of multiple generations. But, that's exactly what happened. "I moved here when my kids were 4 and 6," said Beth Wilson, who lives on Alesci's former Robie Point route. "Now they're 17 and 20. Randall has watched my children grow up." According to Wilson, Alesci has even seen some children become grandparents. Wilson's parents, Gary and Jan, came up with the idea of holding a retirement party for Alesci. As soon as they did, it seemed, the idea took on a life of its own. Neighbors began organizing food, someone ordered a cake in the shape of a letter, someone else rented a Port-a-potty, and on April 27, the street was closed to traffic. "I bet 150 people came to that party," Wilson said. "There were so many neighbors I didn't even know. We were lucky to have such a loyal and trustworthy friend in Randall." But according to Alesci, the gratitude goes in the opposite direction. "The fact that they like me so much is because they were so easy, you know?" Randall said. "It was easy to begin a relationship with them, because they're all such great people. To see how they love one another, how they just accepted me into the neighborhood ... I don't know how else to put it. I give all the credit to them." Alesci said he delivered to about 500 homes per day, but it was the 50 or so families on the Robie Point route that he treasured most. "I miss them already," he said. When asked what he misses most, Randall answers without missing a beat. "The kids," he said. "I got to see those kids grow up in those 27 years and I love children. I was able to establish a relationship with those kids, and that was always very special to me." Alesci also mentions the parties he was invited to. Robie Point held various neighborhood parties throughout the year — Christmas caroling party, a summer barbecue, even a party for the Western States 100 Race. Alesci went to all of them. The hardest part of his job, said Alesci, was dealing with the red tape bureaucracy of the postal service. But even then, he said, the neighborhood could cheer him up. "When I got out into the neighborhood, with my friends that I happened to deliver mail to ... that's what kept me going." Alesci has three sons, all of whom live in the general vicinity. He also has three grandchildren. When asked what he plans to do next, he offered three words. "Whatever I want." Alesci said he learned many skills on his delivery route, including how to deal with aggressive turkeys. "They're not the smartest creatures in the world, you know?" he said. But mostly, he's learned how lucky he is. "I have been incredibly blessed," Alesci said. "Blessed with friendships, blessed that I'm able to retire in health, blessed that I can continue to be a part of this neighborhood." Which, according to Wilson, is non-negotiable. "He's part of our neighborhood family and he's going to remain so," Wilson said. "He promised."