While walking around Williamsburg, Brooklyn on a rainy day I stumbled upon this bright red truck, on the corner of 14 street and Wythe Avenue. This not only caught my attention because of the color that took place in the middle of nowhere, but the candles and flowers that surrounded it. Instantly I needed to find out who this honored.

Ray Abeyta was a well-known beloved neighbor that lived in Brooklyn for many years. He was an artist that spent much of his time painting in a motorcycle shop, Works Engineering, which was just around the corner from where I found the truck. He was a legend; those in Brooklyn called him “The King of Brooklyn.” He was remembered to be a happy man that encouraged his spirits on others. He was known for opening some of Williamsburg’s well known spots, such as, Union Pool and Hotel Delmano, with the help of his wife at the time.

Ray Abeyta passed away in a motorcycle accident impacting a truck in Brooklyn on Sunday, November 30, 2014, at the age of 58. His life was celebrated with a parade that took place around Williamsburg. He was loved by many and his antic truck has been left arranged with flowers and candles in memory of him. This memorial left me speechless; it was a wonderful site to see. Though I did not know Ray Abeyta personally; I would have wanted to meet a great man, because of the happiness he felt in his life and left on many others.

http://bedfordandbowery.com/2014/12/farewell-to-ray-abeyta-williamsburg-royalty/

http://gothamist.com/2014/12/05/williamsburg_ray_abeyta.php#photo-1