WESTFIELD – For the family of Joey Kareta, the memory of their son and his tragic death will never fade.
Joey’s father Fred Kareta said he relives that day too often.
Joey died Aug. 28, 2010 when he was hit by a drunk driver. Joey was helping his aunt at her Brainerd Road, South Hadley home. While retrieving her mail, he was struck by a vehicle traveling at an estimated speed of 80 mph on the residential street. The driver, attorney Craig Barton, continued driving until he struck a vehicle.
Joey, 22, was killed and literally knocked out of his socks on impact.
That is not what Fred wants to remember. Instead, he recalls that his son was selfless. The day he died, Joey took over a shift at the family business, White Wing Mobil in South Hadley, gave an elderly woman a ride to the store, and visited his aunt to help her around the house as he often did.
It is in that spirit of giving and helping that Joey’s family started a scholarship foundation.
“We are continuing his legacy of giving,” said Kareta.
An event to raise funds for a memorial scholarship in Joey’s honor is set for Sept. 15 from 2-7 p.m. at the Summit View restaurant and banquet hall in Holyoke. Tickets are $20 and include a buffet and live entertainment. Kareta said the event includes numerous raffle prizes.
“We have Red Sox and Patriots tickets, lots of sports memorabilia, and more – people have been very generous with donations,” he said.
Joey was a graduate of Westfield High School and Westfield State University where he majored in criminal justice.
In additon to offering a scholarship through Westfield’s Citizen Scholarship Foundation this past year, the family was able to give four $1,000 scholarships to Westfield State University students in the criminal justice field of study.
The family’s goal is to have a $100,000 endowment for the Joey Kareta Memorial Scholarship.
“I’m hoping we reach out goal this year,” said Kareta.
Tickets are available in advance at the White Wing Mobil in South Hadley and at the door.
