Fleet Reserve Association Plans Poker Run and BBQ in Memory of “Doc” Rescigno

The and the Sinister Steel Motorcycle Association will host the Dominic “Doc” Rescigno Memorial Poker Run and BBQ on Saturday, August 27.

Rescigno was a member of the Fleet Reserve for many years who passed away July 7. At the association’s Fourth of July barbecue, Rescigno proposed the poker run as a means to help homeless veterans.

“Doc showed up on Fourth of July with a guy from the motorcycle club and had a flier,” said Joe Leo, a Fleet Reserve member and a friend of Resigno’s for 10 years. “He wanted to do a poker run. It was the last time we saw him.”

Leo said since the poker run was Doc’s final wish, they decided to organize it in his honor and help his three children.

Rescigno, a Toms River resident, served in the army and then worked in various law enforcement capacities, including as a sheriff’s officer and in homeland security, Leo said.

“He was a good, all-round guy,” said Janice Engel, the Fleet Reserve’s bar manager who knew Doc for 15 years. “He would do anything to help. He was a real people person.”

Engel said Rescigno was musically talented, sang in a band and would deejay for free for the Association.

“We’re going to miss him, his personality,” said Leo. “He was a real active member of the Fleet Reserve, which is hard to find. He was always there to help out.”

The Lakehurst Fleet Reserve Association has about 300 members. Current and former enlisted members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corp and the Coast Guard may join the Fleet Reserve. The non-profit organization was chartered to serve the interests of its members.

Aside from providing social functions, the association provides many community service activities, such as charity golf tournaments and food baskets to help families in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The group also makes donations to the Boy Scouts and American Cancer Society .

Engel said they participate in an adopt-a-sailor program with Naval personnel at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. On Christmas Day, they have a dinner for sailors with no place to go.

Engel expects about 100 motorcyclists at the poker run, which costs $15 for riders and $10 for passengers, if paid in advance. The day of the event, the cost goes up to $20 for riders and $15 for passengers. Registration will be 9:30 to 11 a.m. with the ride taking place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Riders will have five stops where they will collect playing cards. The person with the best poker hand at the end will win a prize.

A barbecue will follow the Poker Run from 1 to 5 p.m. All are invited to attend the barbecue for $15 in advance and $20 the day of the event. There will be vendors, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing and a disc jockey.

All funds raised will benefit homeless veterans and Rescigno’s son and two daughters.

To purchase tickets, call the Fleet Reserve at 732-657-7575.