Flags To Fly At Half-Staff Friday To Honor Soldier From New City

NEW CITY, NY — Flags are flying at half-staff Friday in memory of Specialist Zachary Zamot, a New City native stationed with the 160th Aviation Special Forces Group in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

"I was incredibly heartbroken to learn of the passing of Rockland native hero Army Specialist (SPC) Zachary Zamot," said Rockland County Executive Ed Day, who ordered the salute. "As a military dad with a son in active duty, I can attest that there is no greater tragedy then seeing a young and promising life taken from us so abruptly. This death is a loss to our entire community, and I ask that we all keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers."

Zamot died May 19. The Rockland County Sheriff's Office and Clarkstown Police Department met the plane bringing his remains on Thursday, and escorted his family to the Vanderplatt Funeral Home in Wykoff, New Jersey, where a funeral is scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday.

The service will be open to the public.

Born in Texas May 5, 1999, Zamot was adopted by Edward and Dora Zamot at age 9 and lived in Rockland County, New York for most of his life.

After graduating from Ramapo High School, Zackary joined the U.S. Army following his father’s footsteps. He served in Special Operations and the Night Stalkers, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne).

He is survived by his wife Cynthia, son Giovanni, and brother Matthew.

"I was heartbroken to hear of Specialist Zachary Zamot's passing last week," Congressman Mike Lawler said in a statement. "His service and sacrifice on behalf of his countrymen was known by many and as a member of an elite Special Operations unit in the United States Army, he was at the forefront of defending our nation."