A celebration of life is planned Wednesday evening to honor the longtime chief of the Atlantic City Beach Patrol who passed away in November.

Rod Aluise retired in 2014, but never really left his beloved patrol.

“After he retired, he would often come up to headquarters and sit with (current Beach Patrol Chief) Steve (Downey) and myself,” longtime friedn Dave Russo told BreakingAC shortly after Aluise’s passing. “(We would) look at the lifeguard yearbooks and laugh and tell stories. He never stopped being a lifeguard.”

He left behind a legacy that included founding the Atlantic City Classic lifeguard races and starting the Lifeguard Hall of Fame.

Aluise worked for the city a total of 56 years.

Born Ralph Aluise, “Rod” attended Our Lady Star of the Sea grade school and Holy Spirit High School in Atlantic City, where he would become senior class president for the graduating class of 1959.

Anyone wishing to honor Aluise is invited ot the Albany Avenue beach at 6 p.m., shortly after close.

“Please join us in celebrating and raising a toast to my dad,” said Aluise’s son, also Rod.

He said the family is grateful to Chief Steve Downey, BJ Hamilton, Dave Russo, and the ACBP Benevolent Organization for helping us get everything together.

Refreshments and light bites will be available.

In the event of inclement weather, the start may be delayed or moved to the following night.