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I have so many wonderful memories of Keith! I was so lucky to have known him as a student, colleague and coach. He inspired hundreds of students and athletes over the years. He took the time to get to know people...truly know people. Keith made you feel important and as a result you were! Mamaroneck will never be the same but has forever been changed by this true Mamaroneck Tiger. We are all better people for knowing him and his legacy will continue in our district through both Yusef and Gabe. I know my father has a front row seat waiting for him on the fifty yard line! Once a tiger always a tiger.
Kristen Rainaldi Barnard

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I would run into Keith every once in a while during my seventeen years at MHS and everytime I did I felt down deep that he really knew who I was. He would always greet me with the warm, genuine smile that everyone talks about, call me by name, and then whatever we said (it didn't really matter) I would always move on about my business feeling as if I, as a person, had just been validated. He found out early a few personal things about me, that are meaningful to me: that I'm from Syracuse, that I went to Annapolis, that I played high school (and a little college) football, and he never forgot those details and would refer to them in subtle ways  often when we crossed paths. I remember particularly him razzing me the year SU won the NCAA basketball tournament as a surprise underdog - the fact he remembered that I had roots in Syracuse meant a lot.
Another thing, I learned early on is that if I was struggling with a difficult student and I offhandedly mentioned it to him, more times than not he not only knew the student, but had already been working with him, and was ready to offer support and advice on how to deal with the situation. The relief and feeling of camaraderie I'd have walking away from those encounters is still clear in my mind.
Aside from everything else regarding Keith's outsize persona and huge heart, is the indelible visual memory I have of him at faculty meetings. While the rest of us would typically be scrambling for seats among friends as far away from the stage as possible, there he would be, sitting in the front seat closest to the stage, alert and ready for any way he could further support and more fully embrace the institution and community he had long ago devoted his life to. When I asked him one time about his enthusiasm for sitting in the front row, he confided in me that it was so he had plenty of room for his knees, one tall man again sharing truth and a confidence with another. That image of selfless dedication, embodied in the form of Keith, will be the one that stays in my memory forever.
Don Keene

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I extend my deepest sympathy to  the Yizar family and join the entire community in honoring the memory of Keith Yizar.  Keith embodied unconditional love and a warm embrace for everyone he encountered.  His love for the community was the kind of spirit that made and makes Mamaroneck the special place it is.  I'm lucky to have known him.
Sherry King

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KEITH YIZAR

The name alone made you feel be on top of your game that’s the way he came across me in the hallways, you could talk to him about anything and gave good advise that I took in. He Love Mamaroneck community and helping alot of people better themselves.That’s a man that will never be forgotten in our hearts and a voice that will be remembered. RIP🙏🏻all the love and deepest sympathies to the Yizar family 🕯
JOE BONITO

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Remembering Keith Yizar - Howard and Hillside

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Remembering Keith Yizar - Howard and Hillside

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Part of my daily drive home is coming through the intersection of Howard and Hillside. Every time I come to the stop sign of that intersection, many memories come to mind. Like intersections connect streets, families connect memories in this neighborhood. The different families: the Yizar’s, the Mitchell’s, the Green’s, the Garland’s, Wheeler’s, the Mair’s, the Maldanado’s. We shared in the ups and downs, the birthday parties and the floods. Families who were together in unity. But over time there forged a special bond between the Yizar and Mitchell connection. They did everything together. The two families intertwined their daily lives. From singing I’m the chior across the street, to playing in the street, children developed a bond that is inseparable to this day. If you couldn’t find them at one house, they were at the other. Countless birthday parties and family cookouts line our hearts and minds with fond memories. Elementary, high school and college graduations to support each other in love. Sporting events like the NIT at the Garden, Giants games were filled with excitement. (My sister told me the other night that she met Jay-Z at the Garden once). Every moment, each family supported each other. What I will miss the most are the conversations. Keith, my dad, and Mr. Davis had battling on the front porch or on Yiz’s step on who’s perspective was right. I was young at the beginning but eventually they let me chime in. You would think they had the answer to the world's problems.

On a personal note, Keith got me to look at my approach to working with kids differently. I was fortunate enough to work at the high school the last two years he was there. We would chat daily about the past, present and future and he would give me new ways to approach and work with youth. I was also fortunate enough to coach with him for a season at Mamaroneck, a time that sincerely changed my approach to coaching.

In closing, I have to say that it was difficult to find the right words to encapsulate such a gentle giant as Keith. I will leave you with a quote from famed college football coach Lou Holtz that I feel is very suitable to the impact that Keith had on many. Lou says this on coaching but I believe this is on life also:

“Coaching gives on a chance to be successful as well as significant. The difference between the two is that when you die, your success comes to an end. When you are significant, you continue to help others be successful long after you are gone. Significance lasts many lifetimes. That is why people teach, why people lead, and why people coach.”

I came to the intersection today and I was a little sad, lost. But the good times were there to comfort me.

Thanks for being you. Thanks for always being there. Farewell. It’s all love. The Mitchell family.

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Keith will always be remembered for everything he has given back to the community.  Always having time for anyone who crossed his path. No matter how you were feeling, you walked away uplifted and encouraged. Never did you leave him without a lesson being learned. He helped me survive my years of coaching, with his words of wisdom, encouragement and talking me off a ledge quite a few times. He would show up at games with spirit pins for all the cheerleaders, and give us plenty of shout outs at the football games. My son played football at college in Vermont, I told him how excited I was that they were playing at SUNY Maritime and for the first time I didn't have to travel 4-5 hours to see him play. I arrived at the game - and sure enough sitting in the bleachers was the man himself, decked in my son's school colors (with a splash of MHS - of course). He was everywhere, all the time. I will surely miss my high fives when I walked pass him at the MHS basketball games, the long inspirational talks and the big bear hugs when bumping into him anywhere outside of school. Most of all I will miss his kind soul, his calm demeanor, constant encouragement and uplifting spirit.  His children are a testament to the type of man he was. My condolences to the whole Yizar family and all who were lucky enough to know him. His smile and spirit will live on forever in our hearts.
RIP Keith xoxo
Lisa Ferraro

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Some of my favorite moments at MHS were finding Keith tucked away in the back, combing through old yearbooks and scrapbooks to revive forgotten memories, and him sharing his latest discoveries and companionship.  It was his calling to keep these flames alive.  He was, at his core, a devoted local historian.  Passionate about Mamaroneck’s past. It wasn’t just a hobby - he applied it constantly in his work at MHS. It was amazing to watch him use his knowledge of MHS to rope in students and make them feel like they were part of something bigger than themselves.

He wasn’t just interested in sports stats - he put a heartbeat into every bit of knowledge he dug up.  And if he found something that would shine a light for someone, he’d share it without hesitation.  He even gave me a binder of mementos of my mother-in-law’s time at Mamaroneck (class of ‘50).
He was always so animated when he shared other people’s achievements, never once amplifying his own.  He made everyone feel special and valued, and that is an amazing legacy to leave behind.  His memory will live on through a community that only benefited from his love and devotion.

My deepest sympathies to the Yizar family,

Sincerely,
Tina Pantginis

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When you know Keith's sons, you know what kind of a wonderful father he was.
Loraine McCurdy-Little

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I knew Keith as a student and as a colleague.  When I was a student here, I had friends who spoke of how important he was to them.  I remember walking by his office and sensing that important conversations took place there.  It reflected a space where students could be comfortable but also taken seriously, as people figuring out how to be adults.

As a teacher, the moment I returned, 12 years ago, he was one of the first people to welcome me and offer to process what it was like being of the community and then working here.  He didn't need to do that, but that is who Keith was.  That offer meant a lot to me, and I took him up on it over the years.

One of the things that will stand out most to me, even if it's not a specific memory, is how he would find a way to connect with students and be where they were.  I think of the overpass by guidance and the library as a place that is really telling about the school community, where students in some sense want to be seen but in another sense may not.  Keith was an adult who made it his business to connect and support those students.  He made this building a more welcoming space for students who might find it most challenging.  I miss his presence there and what it would mean for the students, and also for me.

be well,
and much love,
Aaron Shansky

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I feel so privileged to have known Keith Yizar in this lifetime. His warm smile was so endearing and made you feel so at ease in his company. I loved seeing him when walking the hallways of MHS and hearing him greet me with, "Peace, my sister!" He always wanted to know how I was doing. That is just who he was for everyone who had the opportunity to be influenced by him - young and old. In our conversations, he would share sage advice on the best way to help different students and families. It felt like he knew everyone! He left a hole at Mamaroneck upon retirement and he now leaves another one in this world. Keith may be gone but he will never be forgotten. His legacy continues in his beautiful children. My sympathies to the entire family. I will be praying for your comfort.

Rest in "peace", my brother.
Marsha Genwright

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Keith Yizar was a magnificent man and a blessing for our world and community. Keith dedicated his life to building better lives. He was a true mentor and ambassador for all children. Keith lit up any room he entered, always reaching for a handshake and offering kind remarks. 

Keith was an encyclopedia of knowledge for our community and distinct, especially our athletic programs. He attended every athletic event he could and would often travel miles to support our students. He proudly molded and distributed spirit pins and rosters for parents - always doing his utmost to better our community. If you needed to know anything about our community’s history or traditions, you called Keith.

After coaching, Keith spent years announcing during sporting events and always publicly acknowledged all alumni in attendance. He knew everyone in our community, and everyone knew and respected him.

It’s been an honor knowing Keith for the last 20 years, and I’ll forever cherish his guidance and wisdom. Keith’s kindness and generosity will forever be remembered. He raised special children who share the aforementioned traits.Thank you for sharing your special father with us.

Jeff Barnard

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I had the pleasure of coaching basketball with Keith at Mamaroneck HS.  He was 100% in it for the kids.  There was no doubt as to who walked in the gym when you heard Keith enter, you didn't even have to look.  he worked hard, loved the game of basketball & was just full of energy & life.  He always greeted you with a big hug or handshake, asked how things were going & just made sure you were having a good day.  He always had a smile on his face & he was a true teacher & role model for the students & youth of Mamaroneck.  We will miss you my friend!!  I know I will miss my handshake  that I would get every time seeing you.  RIP my friend!  My condolences to the entire Yizar family.
Pat Romano

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 Mr. Yizar was  pillar in our community.

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 Mr. Yizar was  pillar in our community.

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Keith Yizar was there for me during a very transitional time in my life. I was weighing my post high school options. Often, I would head into his office to talk. He schooled me on the SUNY school system and helped me choose SUNY Oswego. Keith  coached   me through my college essay and encouraged me when I needed it.  Keith was a giant in stature and in heart and soul. His loving spirit will be embedded in the halls of MHS forever, To his children, thank you for allowing your father to be a father to all.
Blessings and Peace,
Daneen Payne