Residents remember late crossing guard The tragic loss of Krystyna Naprawa brings neighbors together in mourning

by Kristen Guglielmo

Associate Editor

Beloved school crossing guard

Krystyna Naprawa, 63, was killed last Friday after being struck by a dump truck while working at the corner of Woodhaven Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue.

The truck driver, 39-year-old Hector Yepes, remained on the scene, and after investigation was arrested for failure to yield and failure to use due care.

Members of the community and elected officials came together, both in person and on social media, to lament the loss of Naprawa, who served with the 102nd Precinct for almost 13 years.

“Our department is in mourning today, as we grieve the loss of one of our own,” NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “... Every school day, parents in the 102nd Precinct put their children’s lives in SCG Naprawa’s hands — and every day, she was there to keep them safe. This morning was no different. ... Please keep her family and loved ones in your prayers.”

Mayor Adams also released a statement on the tragedy, writing on X, “Krystyna Naprawa represented the best of our school crossing guards and the NYPD. Her commitment to her job and community did not go unnoticed and it shows from the outpouring of love. My prayers are with her family and all those who knew her.”

“Crossing guards put their lives on the line every day and should be applauded for their bravery and dedication to service,” said state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) in a statement. “My thoughts and prayers, and that of my office team, are with the late crossing guard’s traditional family and occupational family.”

Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) said, “... Ms. Naprawa was a beloved member of the community who devoted her life to the safety and education of our children. I am here for her family and offer them any help they need in this time of grief.”

She added that she will investigate the need for any safety upgrades at the corner.

“... Naprawa was a beloved crossing guard and Howard Beach resident, who has dutifully been serving with the NYPD since 2010,” said Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) in a statement on Facebook. “Our entire community mourns this truly tragic loss, and she and her family is certainly in all of our prayers. Rest in Peace, Krystyna. Thank you for your years of service to our city.” The community came together for a candlelight vigil on Monday evening near the intersection, hosted by the Cityline Ozone Park Civilian Patrol.

Attendees included many residents who knew Naprawa, as well as Adams, Rajkumar, Addabbo, Ariola, Community Board 9 and 10 Chairs Sherry Algredo and Betty Braton and the Queens South NYPD commanding officer, Assistant Chief Kevin Williams.

Remembered as someone who thoroughly enjoyed and gave her all to her job, it was said that Naprawa’s final moments were spent helping children cross the street.

“Krystyna wanted to make sure those babies got across the street in a safe way,” Adams said at the vigil. “This is what they do every day.”

A wake was held for Naprawa at James Romanelli-Stephen Funeral Home in Ozone Park on Wednesday afternoon.

The funeral was set for Thursday morning at St. Helen Church in Howard Beach.

Naprawa’s final resting place will be St. John Cemetery in Middle Village.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara, and son, Tomasz. Barbara, through tears, told reporters at the vigil, “She’s my forever angel.” Q