YORKTOWN, NY (February 10, 2025)—The Yorktown Democratic Committee (YDC) deeply mourns the passing of the Honorable Alice E. Roker. Ms. Roker served Yorktown as an elected official for over thirty years, first as Town Clerk for twenty six years and then as a Town Councilmember. She made history as the first Democrat and first African-American elected to local office in Yorktown’s history. She passed away at Phelps Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.
First elected on November 6, 1989, Alice Roker broke barriers in a town incorporated in 1788 and became a pioneering figure in local government. During her remarkable tenure, she modernized the Town Clerk’s office, secured nearly $500,000 in grants, and implemented numerous innovations, including live Town Board broadcasts.
Before her historic election, Ms. Roker had already established herself as an accomplished broadcast journalist at WNBC-TV News Division. Rising from secretary to Emmy-winning producer, she held what New York Magazine called “one of the most powerful positions in local news” as Co-Producer of Live At Five. She won an Emmy Award with Chuck Scarborough for “Anatomy of A Murder,” an in-depth examination of criminal justice. She received the New York Broadcaster’s Association award for “Broadway, the Fabulous Invalid.” While at WNBC, she also taught broadcast consumer journalism at the New School For Social Research.
As Town Clerk and Town Historian, Ms. Roker brought her media expertise to modernize town communications, including launching live Town Board broadcasts. She played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Yorktown Museum and co-authored “Images of America Yorktown,” demonstrating her deep commitment to preserving and sharing the community’s heritage.
“Working alongside Alice was an absolute privilege,” said former Yorktown Supervisor Lanny Gilbert. “Her sharp intellect and unwavering dedication to Yorktown were evident in everything she did. Our shared commitment to community, family, and responsibility made working with Alice a pleasure. She brought professionalism, wisdom, and careful attention to detail to every Town Board meeting. Alice was not just smart and capable – she made everyone around her better at their jobs by consistently exemplifying these values.”
“The residents of Yorktown were lucky to have her as their elected representative for over 30 years,” said Diana Quast, Yorktown Town Clerk. “She 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. To paraphrase a quote by author H. Jackson Brown, Alice earned her success based on service to others, not at the expense of others.”
Ms. Roker’s impact on Yorktown went far beyond her official duties. As the first African-American elected to local office, she inspired future generations to pursue public service and demonstrated the importance of diverse representation in local government.
“Alice Roker was more than just our Town Clerk – she was a trailblazer who transformed how local government served its citizens,” said Jann Mirchandani, Chair of the Yorktown Democratic Committee. “The Yorktown Democratic Committee extends its deepest condolences to Ms. Roker’s family, friends, and all who were touched by her remarkable life of public service.”
About the Yorktown Democratic Committee: The Yorktown Democratic Committee works to promote Democratic values and candidates in the Town of Yorktown, NY. The Committee consists of elected district leaders who represent Democratic voters across Yorktown’s election districts.