The Passing of Alice Roker

A MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNITY FROM SUPERVISOR ED LACHTERMAN

The Passing of Alice Roker

February 11, 2025 - Today the Town of Yorktown mourns the loss of one of its leading and most beloved citizens. Alice Roker, a long-time member of the Town Board, former Town Clerk, the first African-American and first woman to serve in elective office, and a dedicated citizen passed away yesterday surrounded by her family.

Her death is a loss for the community she loved and enthusiastically supported. I first got to know Alice in her role as Town Clerk. Not only did she swear me in when I was first elected as a Councilman, but she signed my marriage license. I then had the pleasure of serving with her on the Town Board. And while we were in opposite parties, I found her to be sensible, reasonable and willing to compromise. With Alice, there was never a question as to her determination to put the best interests of the residents first. Even after she retired from elected office, Alice offered sound guidance to me and many others.

Our current Town Clerk Diana Quast, put it beautifully: “Alice lit up every room with her smile and always knew how to make people laugh and feel comfortable. She treated everyone with respect and compassion.”

Assemblyman and former Town Supervisor Mathew Slater said “Kellie, Mom and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Alice Roker. Working with Alice as a member of the Yorktown Town Board was and always will be a great honor. She taught me many lessons about our Town, how to be a principled leader and of the importance of public service. Our hearts go out to Alice's family, friends and all who were lucky enough to know her.”

As Town Supervisor, on behalf of the Town Board and the residents of Yorktown, I extend sincere condolences to the Roker family for their loss and thank them for sharing this special woman with all of us. As a gesture of respect, flags in town are being flown at half-staff in her memory and in honor of her more than 30 years of public service. May Alice Roker rest in peace.