How many times have I seen Ray jump up and catch a flying umbrella before anyone else could even react?

Never mind he was in his late 50s, he was as quick as any 20-year-old. He would run into the water to save any swimmers from seas that were just a little deeper or rougher than one suspected. When the lifeguards at the West End beach were off duty, Ray Licata stayed behind to watch every swimmer, young and old. If swimmers came too close to the rock jetty, Ray would caution them and watch — alert and ready to spring up — until they safely got to shore.

When the sea was rough, he would stay late to watch out for unprotected swimmers. Over the years, I’ve seen him help people several times who were in trouble in the water.

Ray had many friends at the beach, including those who didn’t even know him. He loved meeting everyone, and always seemed ready with a joke or kind word. He was truly interested in people and was helpful, kind, easygoing, and perceptive. He was a sculptor with an eye on what he loved — the sand, the sea, and the people at the West End beach.

On a magnificent August day at around 5 p.m., Ray met two of his friends for one of their traditional long-distance swims. Not feeling well, he ended his swim early. Ray suddenly died on the beach he so much loved, with his friends at his side.

The day Ray died, the sunset was a perfect one — the kind that only happens in August. I’m thinking Ray’s experienced eyes saw it from above, large and blazing orange.

Barbara Dweck Erani

West Long Branch

Editor’s note: Raymond Licata died Aug. 25 at the age of 59