"Retirement" is a four-letter-word to the ears of Richard Munroe. Now in his 18th year as an employee of Brandeis Dining Services, 59-year-old Munroe is at the top of his game, and definitely not ready to give up the daily grind."I'm a working man," said Munroe through sniffles and coughs, "I like working at Brandeis." Despite a bad case of bronchitis, Monroe came to work, refusing to take the day off.

But Monroe's diligence isn't his only atypical characteristic; he is also mentally handicapped. Munroe is one of 17 Brandeis employees with a mental disability. This group of disadvantaged workers is the product of the Greater Waltham Association for Retarded Citizens (GWARC), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Waltham's mentally-disabled community.

Established in 1956, GWARC has been serving the Waltham community in a variety of ways for more than 40 years. With programs in Waltham, Watertown, Newton, Arlington, Lexington, Belmont, Cambridge, Wellesley, Somerville and Boston, GWARC aims to "foster a high quality of life for the people we serve by maximizing opportunities to live, work and socialize as productive members of the community."

In simpler words, "[GWARC] supports people with developmental disabilities ... all cognitive," said James Brandano, director of Employment Plus and Transitions.

Formerly in the restaurant business, Brandano has now been involved with GWARC for more than 15 years. He said he has repeatedly turned down job offerings at restaurants, all of which presented greater financial benefits than GWARC. When asked why he declined these offers, Brandano responded, "[GWARC] is almost like a drug; you keep wanting to do more of it .... It's a very rewarding field to be in."

Brandano's addiction to altruism is an expensive one. Although GWARC receives some financial support from the government, and also benefits from private funding, mostly several large endowments, Brandano concluded his explanation of GWARC's financial situation by saying, "We're very solid, thank God."

The benefits are reciprocal: Brandano loves his work, and GWARC members like Munroe.

"I like my job," Munroe said. "I like [temporary supervisor] Jamie [Silva]... and I like Jim [Brandano]."

And it seems veryone likes Munroe, too. According to Silva, Munroe is a "good worker" and "reliable." But Silva's favorable comments should come as no surprise. Decades of experience have equipped Munroe with the tools necessary for success in the work-place. This is one of GWARC's fundamental purposes.

"We help prepare [GWARC members] for the future," said Jean Charles, GWARC's Usdan site supervisor.

Cassandra Landry is the parent of a child who participated in GWARC. She said that assisting the development of a mentally-disabled adult or child is a difficult and complex process. "When my child was being overmedicated, GWARC's staff noticed and told me," Landry said. But while GWARC's effects are certainly positive, that doesn't guarantee that any given GWARC member will one day be able to leave the organization.

Munroe himself had a short-term career that was separate from GWARC; however, he returned to the organization that has guided him throughout much of his adult life. Since returning, Munroe said he has found satisfaction at Brandeis.

"I'm happy where I am," Munroe said regarding any future plans to leave either Brandeis or GWARC. "Plus, if I don't work I won't have any money." Along with personal health and the weather, money seems to be a constant issue on Munroe's mind. When asked if he was married Munroe replied, "No, that costs too much money."

When he's not making money, Munroe has a number of hobbies. An avid Red Sox fan, he rarely misses a game and the chance to root for one of his favorite players, Manny Ramirez. Along with the Red Sox, Munroe has a soft spot for animals. He said he enjoys "going for rides in the vans to Newtonville Pet [Store] to see the animals." The vans which Munroe referred to belong to his Residential Group Home, which is responsible for arranging much of Munroe's social activities.

Approaching his golden years, Munroe has chosen to live in a Residential Group Home instead of living independently. This decision is common among GWARC members. Group homes like Munroe's offer their residents a dignified and largely independent lifestyle, but at the same time, guarantee assistance if it is needed. But had it not been for his accident four years ago, Munroe might still be living alone today.

In the midst of a typical afternoon in Usdan, Munroe took a nasty spill, breaking several ribs. "Then I got a pacemaker," he said pointing to his heart.

The combination of age, the accident and the pacemaker prompted his transfer to Sherman Dining Hall to work in the dishcleaning room. Generally calmer than Usdan, Sherman offers Munroe a more comfortable working environment, something many disabled Americans never experience.

As reported in the U.S. Census, as of 2000 there were nearly seven million mentally disabled Americans between the ages of 16 and 64 with a condition that "affected their ability to work at a job or business." These individuals have a decreased chance of financially supporting themselves due to a mental disability. But not Richard Munroe.

The self-proclaimed "working man" has been a valued employee of Brandeis for almost 20 years, a milestone which Munroe will most certainly pass. And while Brandeis' community has benefited from Munroe's labors throughout those years, it's Munroe himself who has most appreciated his occupation. Munroe's dedication to, and love for, his job was illustrated at the end of his interview with a selfless act of defiance.

Having never left his side throughout the interview, Brandano warmly put his hand on Munroe's shoulder and said, "Richard, you're sick... please take the day off tomorrow." After a brief moment of silence, Monroe looked in the eyes of his long-time friend and mentor. Nothing was said, but it was very clear Monroe would be coming to work the following day.