Funeral Services Set For Lifeguard Killed By Lightning Strike

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Funeral services have been set for Keith Pinto, a 19-year-old Berkeley Township lifeguard who was fatally struck by lightning Monday while he was on duty in South Seaside Park.

Pinto was a lifelong resident of Toms River. He graduated from Toms River High School North in 2020 where he was on the track team for all four years, his family wrote in his obituary. He attended Ocean County Community College in Toms River.

Pinto also played Sunday morning softball, enjoyed being with friends and family, and loved his truck, his obituary said.

He is survived by his parents, Carlos and Gail (Morris) Pinto; his siblings, Tina Pinto and her boyfriend Greg; Tyler Pinto and his fiancé Kristen Della Bella; twin brother, Kevin Pinto and his girlfriend Alexa McLean; lifelong family friend, Andres Cerda; paternal grandmother, Maria Pinto; nephews, Gregory and Kamrin; niece, Kamryn; aunts, uncles, cousins, lifeguard family and friends.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 3 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals at 145 St. Catherine Blvd. in Toms River. Pinto will be buried at St. Joseph Cemetery following a mass at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4 at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Toms River.

Mourners gathered at a candlelight vigil alongside Pinto's family and friends earlier this week at 21st Avenue Beach. Flowers and messages were left at the lifeguard stand in his memory.

Related: Lifeguard Honored At Candlelight Vigil In South Seaside Park

Gov. Phil Murphy ordered U.S. and New Jersey flags to be lowered at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities on Friday in his memory.

Keep up to date with what's happening in your community by subscribing to your local Patch newsletter here.