Cranford Resident's Dream Comes True Atop the Great Beds Lighthouse

This week brought one of the most profound experiences of my life. I witnessed the dream of a very devout Catholic and compassionate man, Mario M, of Cranford, NJ. I was part of a five-person team who installed a five foot cross at the top of the Great Beds Lighthouse in South Amboy, NJ.

When Mario purchased the Great Beds Lighthouse in 2011 from the Coast Guard, not many people knew that he had a passion for lighthouses. What would a man in his 80’s want or need with a lighthouse? Many people thought it was a whim but to those closest to him, that was far from the truth. To quote Mario, “I just want to go fishing and put my feet up.”

Mario had great plans for that lighthouse. After all, he built many homes and took personal pride in renovations to the commercial buildings he owned. He did not see a neglected lighthouse in the middle of the Raritan Bay. He saw potential. He spoke about its history…converting empty space to rooms, painting the exterior and fixing the damage from Hurricane Sandy. He even was thinking of ways to get electricity to the lighthouse so someone could stay there. Mario’s biggest wish, however, was to erect a cross at the top of the lighthouse.

Sadly, Mario passed away before he could see the cross atop of the lighthouse. However, yesterday his dream became reality with the help of wonderful friends.