Park Slope Mail Service Owner Dies After 25 Yrs Running Business

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — A long-standing mail service shop on 5th Avenue will stay open despite the recent death of its owner, the family and local groups said this week.

A sign on the window of Mailboxes on 5th posted just before New Year's let customers know that the business was closed due to a death in the family. Local group Park Slope's 5th Avenue later revealed that it was the business owner, George de Boissiere, who had died.

Though details of his death haven't been shared, the family told the group that the mail service store would stay open, though the hours might change in the coming months. For now, the shop will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Saturday.

De Boissiere had run the business since he opened it 25 years ago, BKLYNER reported. It was a well-known shop for post office box rentals, photocopies, delivery service, and postage and shipping supplies.

Members of the community have already started showing their support for the business and honoring De Boissiere's memory with flowers and notes posted on the Mailboxes on 5th windows.

"George, your business was a part of our lives and you will be truly missed in the neighborhood," one person wrote.

Others on Twitter called the shop a "neighborhood institution" or "5th Avenue legend," recalling how De Boissiere walking his three Pomeranians around the neighborhood was a common sight on 5th Avenue.

The family told Park Slope 5th Avenue community group that they are looking for a home for the three dogs. Anyone interested in adopting them can email mailboxeson5th@gmail.com.

De Boissiere's death follows the passing of the owner of another 5th Avenue staple, Florence Leopoldi, who was the matriarch of family-owned Leopoldi Hardware. Leopoldi died on Dec. 19 at 83 years old, according to BKLYNER.

Photo from GoogleMaps.