If I am named as the Executor in a Last Will and Testament, do I have to serve?

No, it is always your option to serve or decline. Even if you agree to serve you can resign later. If you decline to serve (or accept and resign later) any alternate named in the Last Will and Testament will then be appointed by the Probate Court. If no alternate representative is named in the Last Will and Testament or the named alternate dies or is unwilling to serve, and no one steps up to serve, the Probate Court will appoint a Public Administrator.