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Vanessa and Michael Collazos say they could never have imagined that a United States Post Office would be named after their father, Jesus Collazos, an immigrant from Colombia who worked as a mail carrier in the community for 25 years.

But that’s exactly what happened late last month, when a post office in Arlington was dedicated to his life.

“You know, he always talked about the American dream,” says Michael. “We’re a very blue collar-type family. Like, he always instilled in us hard work.”

Throughout his many years of service, Collazos became a beloved figure on his mail route. According to his daughter Vanessa, he would bring in groceries for the elderly and help local kids with their math homework. His family would receive dozens of Christmas cards each year, which he was happy to spend hours writing thank-you notes for. Collazos even carried a set of stamps wherever he went, just in case someone needed them.

“He was just amazing,” says Vanessa. “Everything came out of him not because he was expecting something in return. He just wanted people to be happy.”

Collazos did so well at the post office that he was promoted to supervisor just a few years into the job. But he didn’t even last a month in the role, says his wife Luz, because he didn’t like it. She says he missed connecting with people and helping those he could.

“He was looking out for everyone,” says Luz. “He said, ‘No. I want to deliver mail again.’”

So Collazos stepped down and went back to being a mail carrier – a job he held for years. With the help of his natural charisma, he even convinced a homeowner along his mail route to sell him a house, making him his own mail man. His career – along with Luz’s work in housekeeping – helped them to not just provide a home for their family but to put their kids through college.

“The truth is, for him it was the best thing that happened to him in his life,” says Luz. “He was happy.”

In February of 2019, Collazos retired so that he could spend more time with his growing family. Vanessa recalls that he would often come for a visit unannounced, leaving behind the lingering scent of his cologne on her twins – a reminder of his embrace.

“He loved my sons so much and my niece too,” says Vanessa. “That’s all he wanted to do. Just be a grandpa.”

About a year after Collazos’ retirement in early 2020, he was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma – a form of cancer in the white blood cells. While receiving treatment for his condition, he tested positive for COVID-19. A week later, on May 4th, Collazos was hospitalized and intubated. Shortly after, he had a stroke that put him into a coma.

Like thousands of other patients and families at the time, it was basically impossible for the Collazos to see their father when he was hospitalized. According to Vanessa, there was also so much confusion that they didn’t know they could try to call him on FaceTime with the help of staff. She says it was only after he lost consciousness that they realized they wouldn’t be able to speak to him again.

“That was the worst month of my life,” says Vanessa.

On June 6th, 2020, Jesus Collazos passed away at 67 years-old.

“I think that’s why it’s one of the hardest things. He was there for so many people, but no one could be there for him,” says Michael.

For Luz, who met Jesus when she was just 15 years-old, it is still difficult to think about. She and Collazos had been together for half a century. She says he was more than just a hard worker; he was funny, caring, and the type of person who made every day easy.

“He was a beautiful person,” says Luz. “Now, life is so hard without him.”

As news of their loved one’s death spread, dozens in the community shared their condolences with the Collazos. Together, they mourned the loss of their father, husband, and friend. Later that month, the family held an outdoor memorial service that opened with a mail truck parade in his honor. Not long after, people formerly on Collazos route wrote to their elected officials, asking for the post office on 2200 North George Mason Drive to be dedicated to him.

“We got a bunch of phone calls and letters and emails from the people who had served on his postal route saying we need to recognize him because he was so special,” says Don Beyer, the U.S. representative for Virginia’s 8th congressional district. “Every one of them had a story about him, full of love and affection.”

Nearly three years later, the building was designated as the Jesus Antonio Collazos Post Office. It’s something that Collazos’ family says will always serve as a reminder of the contributions of immigrants like him and how he was able to touch the lives of so many others.

“You can’t take that away,” says Michael. “He’s left his stamp on this earth.”