House Passes Bill To Rename Bucks Post Office In Honor Of Flood Victim

UPPER MAKEFIELD, PA — The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday approved a bill renaming the Washington Crossing Post Office in memory of Susan C. Barnhart, who tragically lost her life in a flash flood that struck the Bucks County community last July.

The legislation, sponsored by Bucks County Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) who represents the district where the post office is located, and New Jersey Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) who represents the district where Barnhart lived in New Jersey, now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

Barnhart was among seven who died when flash flooding from a torrential rainstorm struck the township on July 15, 2023. The worst of the flooding occurred along Rt. 532 just to the west of Wrightstown Road where the road dips into a valley.

Police said the flash flooding caught numerous motorists by surprise and many were trapped with the flood victims getting swept into Houghs Creek, a normally low-flow waterway that was turned into a raging torrent of water.

The flooding claimed the lives of Katie Seley, Mattie and Conrad Sheils of Charleston, South Carolina; Linda and Enzo DePiero of Newtown Township; Susan Barnhart of Titusville, New Jersey; and Yuko Love of Newtown Township.

"Last July our community experienced a devastating tragedy," said Fitzpatrick. "A tragedy where seven innocent lives - five adults and two children - were lost in a violent flash flood. Among those we lost was the extraordinary Susan Barnhart.

"Susan was a model citizen, a dedicated public servant, and a beacon of warmth and kindness," continued Fitzpatrick. "She quickly became a comforting presence that customers and colleagues alike looked forward to seeing every day at the Washington Crossing Post Office where she dedicated her professional life.

The Washington Crossing Post Office in Upper Makefield. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

"As one of her customers beautifully put it, 'Susan was like sunshine. Someone whose smiling face could light up your day the moment you walked in.' Susan's loss, along with the loss of the other victims we tragically lost that day, has left an unimaginable void in our Bucks County community. Through this dedication, her spirit and her legacy will continue to inspire every single one of us."

During her life, Barnhart touched countless lives, treasured the various outdoor activities that Bucks County and New Jersey has to offer, and worked in multiple capacities throughout the community, including at the Washington Crossing and Newtown U.S. Postal Service branches.

“Susan Barnhart was a beloved member of her community, cherished by her friends, family, and loyal pups - Bo, Buster, and Koda," said Rep. Watson-Coleman. "Renaming the Washington Crossing Post Office in her honor is a fitting tribute to a model citizen beloved in both Mercer and Bucks counties.”

Susan's sister, Lynda Barnhart, added, “This is not only a memorial of Susan’s death but a fond remembrance of her boundless passion and energy for life. Susan’s joy was helping others, always with a warm smile, and she left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was devoted to her work at the post office and genuinely cared for her customers and co-workers — it was never just a job to her, and she consistently went above and beyond to help others.

"Still, almost a year later, people are sharing stories with us about how they would visit the post office just to experience her smile and service," said Barnhart. "Susie made everyone she encountered feel special and brightened their days—this dedication perfectly honors her memory and spirit.”

Standing on the floor of the U.S. House where he introduced the legislation for a vote on Monday afternoon, Fitzpatrick took a moment to single out several others "whose remarkable efforts and actions safeguarded and supported our community in our time of need" during the deadly flash flooding, including the Upper Makefield Police Department and the Upper Makefield Fire Company.

"We are blessed to have some of the finest first responders and law enforcement officers serving our community," said Fitzpatrick. "From the onset of the flooding, the Upper Makefield Police and Fire Company showcased their excellence and displayed extraordinary bravery, extraordinary courage, incredible selflessness, and incredible compassion - undoubtedly beacons of light in one of the community's darkest hours."

Fitzpatrick singled out Upper Makefield Police Officer Harry Vitello who he said heroically led rescue operations and made it his mission to offer solace, empathy, and a steady hand to those in distress while ensuring the community remained informed. "It was a master class in crisis communication and I applaud and thank him for his outstanding efforts," he said.

He also commended Chief Tim Brewer and the all-volunteer Upper Makefield Fire Company for its response to the tragedy.

"Chief Brewer and his team worked tirelessly throughout the rescue operations sparing no effort and leaving no stone unturned, bravely risking their lives without hesitation," said Fitzpatrick. "To Chief Brewer and the entire Upper Makefield Fire Company, I thank you so much for your service."

Fitzpatrick also thanked Upper Makefield Township Supervisor Tom Cino who was serving as chair of the board of supervisors at the time of the tragedy "for his steadfast leadership and unwavering composure in coordinating efforts and essential resources and ensuring that the families of all the victims felt the arms of our entire community around them.

"Amidst the darkness of last July, our community was able to find solace in uniting in expressing our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the heroic efforts of our law enforcement officers, our firefighters, our first responders, and all of our elected officials who played a critical role in this recovery effort," said Fitzpatrick.

"And now today we can find solace once more," the Congressman added. "Although Susan is no longer with us, dedicating this post office in her name and in her honor ensures that her legacy and spirit remain vibrant forever."