Hundreds hit the water in memory of two Swifts Beach boys
Brady Petrucci’s mother Kara, left, hugs her college roommate Colleen Cunningham. Photos by Bobby Grady
John Balutis provides acoustic entertainment.
Over 200 people came out in support of Brady Petrucci and Bobby Stocker.
The boats came in slowly.
Brady Petrucci’s mother Kara, left, hugs her college roommate Colleen Cunningham. Photos by Bobby Grady
John Balutis provides acoustic entertainment.
Over 200 people came out in support of Brady Petrucci and Bobby Stocker.
The boats came in slowly.
Almost two years to the day of their sons’ passing, two families got together in an effort to honor their boys in a way they would have loved.
Over 200 people in dozens of boats took to the Wareham River behind Warren’s Harborview restaurant for the first annual poker run to raise money for the Brady Petrucci foundation and the Bobby Stocker scholarship.
Petrucci and Stocker were killed in a dirt bike accident July 15, 2023 on Marion Road. The Petruccis, of Raynham, and the Stockers of Woburn,visited Wareham every summer with their families and last winter, Brady’s father Tony Petrucci said the two families wanted to find a way to honor their sons.
“This is something we put together last minute to honor the boys with what we love to do as families,” Tony said. “We’re so thankful for the community that we’re in.”
During the event, around 40 boats sped through the river stopping at five different marinas to collect a random playing card. At the end, whoever had the best five-card poker hand was crowned the victor. The event also featured a number of raffles with all money raised being donated to the two funds.
“If [Brady and Bobby] were here this would be right in their wheelhouse," Tony said. “We’re Swifts Beach people. I bought my house two weeks after my son was born so this is our second home and hopefully soon to be primary residence.”
The Brady Petrucci foundation raises money the family will donate to various organizations, Tony said.
“We give back to the Swifts Beach community because they did a lot for us and we have other organizations we’re going to give to after today,” he said.
At the time of his death, Bobby Stocker was studying to be a mechanic at Northeast Regional Technical High School in Wakefield and his scholarship helps support other students studying to be a mechanic at the school.
“We give out six scholarships for $3,500 each and then we give some money to shop as well,” Bobby’s mom Barbabra Stocker said.
Of the over 200 people in attendance, many had known the boys and wanted to come out to support the families.
“It felt great to come out and the families were very appreciative,” Elaine Mather said.
Barbara added it “meant the world” to her to see everyone come out for the boys.
“It’s just unbelievable and beautiful that so many people love us and we love them,” she said.
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