Yorktown Dedicates Street to Fallen Highway Worker

May 22, 2023 – Yorktown officials have dedicated Front Street to Jake Arcara, a municipal highway worker who was struck and killed by a vehicle while performing his duties.

Town officials declared Front Street the Jake Arcara Memorial Highway May 15 during a short ceremony. Arcara, 28, died on Sept. 13, 2022, when a vehicle struck him while he was working on a drainage project on London Road.

“I was honored to be part of the ceremony that dedicated front Street to Jake Arcara. Our goal is to honor the memory of Jake, who was a wonderful young man taken from us far too soon,” said Supervisor Tom Diana.

Arcara was a beloved member of the Yorktown Highway Department. His coworkers described him as a loyal, kind, warm hearted, funny, hardworking, loving, and genuine guy. The tragedy occurred while Arcara was directing traffic as a flagger during a drainage pipe installation. An 88-year-old driver drove through a blocked lane and hit Arcara from behind. Police determined the incident to be accidental.

“In our efforts to keep the memory of our brother Jake Arcara in everyone's mind, we have renamed Front Street Jake Arcara Memorial Highway,” said Yorktown Highway Superintendent Dave Paganelli. “We will continue our efforts with fund raisers and setting up scholarships in his name into the future. This was a tragic loss to us and anyone who knew Jake. May he rest in peace and know that although he is gone, he will never be forgotten.”