Gene Zarayko, who died Oct. 25, only five months after retiring as borough manager for Northampton, had strong Konkrete Kid values and leadership skills, a commitment to the community and a fierce dedication to continue moving the town forward.

These sentiments were echoed by borough officials and friends of Zarayko in the days since his death.

Zarayko’s legacy lives on with the numerous innovative projects he led, or was a part of, and can be seen throughout the borough - the uptown revitalization with its distinctive street lamps, the mini-park just completed off Main Street and the relocation of borough hall and the police station from Main Street to a new site at Laubach Avenue and Smith Lane.

Other projects in which Zarayko played a part include the recreation center, wastewater treatment plant upgrade, fire station and addition, street improvements, construction of Horwith and Ler- chenmiller drives, the youth football field off Horwith Drive, outdoor summer concerts and lighted holiday street decorations.

Despite this tremendous work and progress, borough officials agree, Zarayko was a humble man. He didn’t seek the limelight. At council meetings when there were presentations or grants awarded, he directed photo opportunities toward the mayor and council members.

Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Sr., regarding the 77-year-old borough manager’s retirement in May, said Zarayko bled “orange and black” and spoke of his strong devotion to the community. In fact, Zarayko was often dressed in an orange shirt and black slacks at council meetings.

Rather than beginning his day behind a desk, Zarayko would drive through town with then-public works Director Steve Gerny, inspecting streets and listening to complaints and concerns of residents. It was common to see Zarayko in the evening driving his own vehicle and addressing a borough issue, officials agreed.

Services for Zarayko were held Sunday and Monday. Accolades, reflections and remembrances have been numerous on his passing.

“None had the tireless dedication that borders on an obsession with progress,” borough Manager Leroy Brobst said of Zarayko. “Many of the ideas and concepts that made him unique have come from a deep desire to see the borough as an icon of local government.

“He was a very humble man and quick to praise others. No one would ever consider him to be self-serving,” Brobst said.

Former council Presidents John Yurish and Ron Spengler echoed sentiments, adding Zarayko was one of the best men with whom to work.

From Councilman Ed Pany came this tribute: ”I have had a long working relationship with Gene as a councilman and curator of the Atlas Cement Company Memorial Museum. Gene loved the history and heritage of the ‘concrete borough.’

“He worked hard and assisted in the construction and organization of the museum, wanting to preserve our cement heritage and pay tribute to the thousands of men and women who toiled in our cement plants,” Pany said.

Former Council President Charles Bodnar, a classmate of Zarayko at Northampton High School, said, “Gene was always good with books and was a good saxophone player. We grew up on Newport Avenue, and our houses are still close to each other.”

Northampton Borough Mayor Thomas Reenock said he is proud to have been on the committee that chose Zarayko as borough manager, mentioning the two started out serving the 4th Ward.

“Gene Zarayko was a great asset to the borough and a personal friend,” Reenock said. “We spent our lives together running an efficient borough that will pass to future generations.”

See obituary on page A4.