Mark Anthony Batista died attempting to rescue Leann A. Batista from drowning, Avon-by-the-Sea, New Jersey, June 9, 2023. Leann, 11, struggled to swim amid a rip current in cold water in the Atlantic Ocean about 75 feet from shore near a rock jetty. She waved and screamed for help. Her father, Batista, 39, an off-duty firefighter, ran to the shoreline, removed his sweatshirt, entered the water, and swam to Leann, who was taken farther from shore by the current and repeatedly submerged and resurfaced. Leann indicated that Batista reached her, grasped her hand, and tried to swim with her back toward the shore, but the current prevented them from returning to shore. At some point, Batista released Leann’s hand and he submerged; he did not resurface. Leann submerged and resurfaced several more times, and rescue swimmers entered the water. Leann, who was brought to shore, had swallowed a significant amount of water and was taken to the hospital to have her lungs monitored. She was released the next day and recovered. A search was initiated for Batista, who was found submerged about 90 minutes later near the jetty. He had drowned.
2023-0000007-10494Obituary
Mark Anthony Batista of Brooklyn, NY and Teaneck, NJ was called to heaven and ended a lifetime of service to his family and community on June 9, 2023. In the ultimate act of love and sacrifice, Anthony died a hero at Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune NJ after rescuing his daughter from a rip current. Valiant efforts were made by fellow first responders to save his life.
Anthony was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1984 to Alejandro Batista Jr. and Giselle Rivera. At the time of his death, Anthony was a proud member of the New York Fire Department Engine 226 in Brooklyn with 15 years combined service as both an FDNY EMT and a firefighter. Anthony met Lenin Ventura and started their life and family together in 2010. Anthony stepped into the role of his life by becoming the proud stepfather to Derek and Jhonner. In 2011 he welcomed the apple of his eye, his little princess, Leann. Anthony loved Lenin and his children fiercely and worked tirelessly to honor and respect them by being the ultimate provider and protector. They lived a beautiful life together blessed by Gods love, good food, music, and dancing. Anthony’s family and loved ones find comfort in knowing that he always told them and showed them how much he truly loved and cared.
Behind his love for flashy accessories, his beloved car and motorcycle, his good looks, and charm he was a God-loving man with a genuine and peaceful personality. He spoke the truth and lived his life to the fullest surrounded by family, close friends, his church community, and the brothers and sisters of the FDNY.
Anthony is survived by his beloved wife Lenin, sons Derek and Jhonner, daughter Leann, mother, grandmother Chea/La Doa, two brothers, two sisters, aunt, uncle, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who all will now go forth and serve others in small and big ways in his loving memory. A Go Fund Me has been set up by Engine 226 to support the family in this difficult time.