A new community service award has been established in memory of Yorktown's beloved Randy Zapakin, who was killed near his home on Farm Walk Road while he was walking his dog on Nov. 8.
The first recipient of the annual award will be the Yorktown Girl Scout troops, who will receive the honor in a ceremony at the Dec. 1 Holiday Light Parade Spectacular in Yorktown.
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.
"A vital part of this administration’s social agenda since day one is doing everything in our power to enable and encourage community outreach, charity and volunteerism, through initiatives such as Yorktown Organizations United," Yorktown supervisor Michael Grace said in a statement. "That holiday spirit is what ennobles and comforts us at this time of year. We want to harness the positive energy year round by highlighting good deeds and good people, as exemplified by citizens like Randy Zapakin."
Zapakin is remembered as compassionate and generous. The father of three left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him because of his larger than life personality and smile. Friends have described Zapakin as a genuine, caring, fun-loving guy.
He is survived by his wife Debbie Zapakin, co-owner of Wishes Boutique in Yorktown, sons Jordan and Jared and daughter Allie.
Randy Zapakin Yorktown Community Service Award recipients will receive certificates of appreciation and a donation privately funded through the Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation.
The first annual Holiday Lights Parade Spectacular will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Jack DeVito Memorial Field on Veteran's Road in Yorktown.
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