by SY BECKER
WWLP
WESTFIELD (WWLP) – The Kareta family of Westfield on Sunday honored the memory of their son, Joe, who was killed by a drunk driver five years ago.
Joe Kareta had just graduated from Westfield State University with a degree in criminal justice when he lost his life.
Since then the family has devoted itself to raising scholarship money to send deserving students to Westfield State. “Upwards of 150,000 dollars and that’s why we’ve given out 26 scholarships and the money that we’ve raised is all a part of the endowment,” said Fred Kareta.
“We offer scholarships to Westfield State University in memory of Joe who was very special young man and made a real difference in our lives for sure,” said Marge Pietras of Easthampton.
Had Joe Kareta lived and pursued his chosen career in law enforcement, he would have turned 28 in a few days.
