LYNN — Mayor Jared Nicholson, State Rep. Dan Cahill, and State Sen. Brendan Crighton each presented a citation to Lynn resident Rod Deland Friday, thanking him for his 56 years of service as an auto mechanic and for his service to the community.

Deland has owned and operated R&R American in Lynn for the past 56 years, helping residents out with any and all automotive needs. At the age of 76, he has decided to turn off the engines, hang up his keys, and sell his shop. 

“I got up one day and said, ‘50 hours a week? I’m 76, I’ve had enough,” Deland said.

Buying his first car at 14 years-old for $5, and putting together his first Chevrolet motor at 16, Deland knew exactly what he wanted to do in life.

“I loved every day,” he said. “I didn’t work. I was coming in to have fun every day.”

Deland said he always strived to be the best at what he did; which is why he has books and manuals covering his shop shelves, attended multiple classes and seminars, and has kept up with the best practices for the times throughout his years of service.

“As the technology changed, I changed,” he said.

Nicholson first spoke Friday, presenting Deland with a citation on behalf of the mayor’s office.

“I stopped by on your last day … I was just so touched by your reflections on so many decades of service to this community, particularly your pride and all the folks you’ve helped along the way,” Nicholson said.

Cahill thanked Deland on behalf of the House of Representative in Massachusetts, letting Deland know how integral he was to the city.

“You’ve impacted everyone’s lives. Driving by here, it’s like, you know you’re home when you get off the highway and you hit Rod’s (Deland). You know you’re back in Lynn,” Cahill said.

Crighton told the crowd of Deland’s friends and family that his kids wanted to go play soccer after school, but they had to come to the event. 

“I can tell your generosity because my kids were really upset, they wanted to play soccer,” Crighton said. “They now have lollipops and they have toy cars, so we appreciate that and we appreciate your service to the community.”

When asked what he’s going to do now that he’s retired, Deland said he’s doing, “what he wants, when he wants.”