Community Corner

Yorktown Police Continue Investigation into Crash that Killed Randy Zapakin

The beloved community member, who was killed while walking his dog last week, was buried on Sunday.

Yorktown police are continuing the investigation that killed 57-year-old Randy Zapakin when he was struck by a car near his home on Farm Walk Road while he was walking his dog last week. 

Forensic evidence taken from the scene by the police department's accident-reconstruction team has been sent to a laboratory for testing, Yorktown police Lt. Kevin Soravilla said. Yorktown police detectives are awaiting the results before going forward with the case. 

Police said the vehicle that struck Zapakin was a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, being driven by an 18-year-old Yorktown resident whose name police did not release. 

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Zapakin was a successful real estate agent at Keller Williams Realty in Yorktown. He also volunteered at the town's Relay for Life cancer research fundraiser, served as the Master of Ceremonies and was instrumental in the 'Dancing with the Yorktown Stars' fundraiser. 

He is survived by his wife Debbie Zapakin, co-owner of Wishes Boutique in Yorktown, sons Jordan and Jared and daughter Allie. 

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Zapakin was fondly remembered at his funeral service on Sunday at the Congregation Sons of Israel in Briarcliff Manor. Friends have described him as a genuine, caring, fun-loving guy. The man left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him because of his larger than life personality and smile. 

Here are some of the remembrances left to this Yorktown-Somers Patch article:

Elisa Bruno-Midili: The incomparable Randy Zapakin...words cannot express this tragic loss. My sincerest condolences to his family and all who knew him. Love, Gratitude and Appreciation for the opportunity to have been a part of his life. An authentic and truly wonderful human being.

Ed Harrison: We were lucky to know Randy. He made everything easy. I miss him.

Francine Silver Birns: Randy was a great guy. He and I did theatre together at Vladeck Hall in the Bronx almost 30 years. My mom and his mom were friends and she heard of the terrible news today. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his family on such a tragic loss.

Joe Aulicino: Randy & I have been teammates on the Bombers (men's softball team) for the last six years. Randy was a gentle giant, his personality and smile larger than life. He knew how to keep our team loose with his jokes and humor. He would love to tease the umps and players from the other team. Yet, nobody would mind, because they knew it was coming from the "gentle giant". Myself and fellow teammates were fortunate to play with him and we'll miss him dearly - Rest in Peace Woody. My heart and prayers go out to Randy's wife and children.

Contributions in Zapakin’s memory can be made to Yorktown's Relay for Life in Yorktown under Randy's Relayers team name at www.relayforlife.org/yorktownny.


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