ORADELL — Whenever residents went to deliver a letter or buy a stamp, they always knew a smiling, friendly face was ready to help them: Bill Kaufman.

Kaufman, who worked as a clerk at the Oradell Post Office, was a mainstay at the postal service for 35 years. On Friday, with a celebratory banner hung over the building, Kaufman worked his last day, retiring after years of weighing packages, sorting mail and stamping envelopes.

Although Kaufman mainly worked as a clerk at the post office, he did sometimes work as a carrier during his beginning years at the job. When other mail carriers called in sick, Kaufman would be out in the rain, snow, sleet and hail to deliver packages.

“We would sort mail in the dark with flashlights when we had no power,” said Kaufman. “Other times, we were the only ones left with power, so people would come in here to use our electricity and charge their phones.”

As a clerk, Kaufman was one of the faces of the post office, gradually growing friendships with people who visited the post office, some almost daily, over the years, which was one of the true joys of the job.

“I’ve seen so many kids, at the counter with their moms, and the next thing you know, the mothers are mailing them college packages, and then they are sending out wedding invitations,” said Kaufman. “You see everyone grow up.”

It was clear that these neighbors grew up with Kaufman too; throughout the day, over a hundred residents poured into the post office, wishing Kaufman well and sending him off with handshakes and hugs.

“I’m overwhelmed,” said Kaufman. “I didn’t realize how many people care so much and think so much of me. I’m touched.”

For Oradell residents, Kaufman exemplified the concept of “service with a smile.” George Carter, the borough’s historian and an avid stamp collector, said Kaufman would always set aside new stamps that he knew would fit Carter's collection.

Not all of Kaufman’s admirers were human. Maggie, a 14-year-old Golden Retriever, waited patiently near the door of the post office for Kaufman to notice her during his final hours on the job. Every day for 10 years, Maggie would visit Kaufman, along with her owner Cynthia, to receive a treat as Cynthia picked up mail.

“This is our final biscuit, Maggie,” said Kaufman, as he walked over to give her a pat on the head.

Cynthia, who wished not to give her last name, said Maggie would jump on the counter in her younger days so Kaufman could put the biscuit in her mouth.

“Bill has been her good friend this whole time,” said Cynthia. “That’s the one thing she looked forward to every single day.”

For neighbors who will miss Kaufman, fear not: as a resident of Emerson, Kaufman said he is bound to run into people at a store or a restaurant. One thing he won’t miss, however, is dealing with the busy holiday rush at the end of the year.

“I’m going to enjoy my Christmas without being in the post office,” said Kaufman.