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Lifeguard Memorialized: Street Renamed in South Seaside Park
Nearly three years have passed since the terrible death of a 19 Year-Old Berkeley lifeguard. 22nd Avenue will henceforth be referred to as "Keith Pinto Way."
Nearly three years have passed since Keith Pinto, a 19-year-old lifeguard at South Seaside Park, was hit by lightning during an unexpected thunderstorm. Berkeley Township will always remember the awful loss of Keith Pinto, and as a result, 22nd Avenue will now be known as "Keith Pinto Way."
According to
Berkeley Township, at the most recent Township Council meeting, Mayor John Bacchione gave the Pinto family a proclamation for the renaming, stating that they had intended to "honor Keith's life" .
Bacchione described Pinto as "a very hard worker who loved his family and friends."
Berkeley renamed the beach on 22nd Avenue where the horrible tragedy happened a year after he passed away. The name of that beach is currently "Keith Pinto Memorial Beach."
"Keith was tragically killed while on duty as a lifeguard, having been fatally struck by lightning at White Sands Beach while trying to usher members of the public to safety," stated Bacchione.
On Tuesday, the new street sign was presented.
Pinto, a native of Toms River, spent four years working as a lifeguard in Berkeley. After graduating from Toms River High School North in 2020, he was enrolled in Ocean County College for his second year when he passed away.
"While it was a sad reminder today of Keith's passing, it was also a good day to know that he will always be remembered here in Berkeley Township," Bacchione said on Tuesday. "The innumerable lives that Keith touched and the impression he had on everyone in this community will carry on his legacy. We hope that the Pinto family can now live in some peace."
