Richard Iacono

Richard Iacono, New Jersey Coaches and National Wrestling Hall of Fame member, has died at the age of 72 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Rick, a resident of Middlesex borough, spent his final days surrounded by loved ones at Robert Wood Johnson hospital in Somerville, NJ. Iacono graduated West Liberty State University in Wheeling, WV in 1971 and went on to receive his Masters Degree in Education. Over 42 years of coaching and teaching, Iacono impacted thousands of lives in a positive manner. The ripple effect of his influence is still being felt. As a coach, he was a groundbreaker whose early adoption of unique technical, easy-to-execute moves and courage to challenge the status quo allowed the athletes who embraced his unique style of coaching to excel to their highest potential. Iacono amassed 324 wins as a head wrestling coach over 42 years, and ranks 17th all-time in NJ HS wrestling victories. Rick also had an amazing career as a softball coach where he won a state championship at Governor Livingston HS in 2007. He also coached football, baseball, tennis, volleyball, soccer and field hockey. “Coach I” was a master technician and a proponent of continuous learning and development. Just weeks before his passing, he attended wrestling camp improving his skill set and knowledge base. Iacono’s love for his country came across to everyone he came in contact with. Because of his deep respect for our military and everyone who sacrificed to serve the greater good, he helped send a number of his wrestlers and students on to successful military careers. Ricky is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kitty O’Shaughnessy Iacono; his son Joe (Deana); his daughters Marisa Kaufman(Brooks) and Katie Thompson (Tyler); along with 3 grandchildren, Kevin, Timmy, and Jane. He is also survived by his sister Margo Yarashas (Joe) and their children Cara Maser(Greg), Chris Yarashas (Jenn) and Heather Behan (Mark) along with other amazing supportive and loving family. And lastly, countless friends, athletes and students that he has made a fantastic and everlasting impression on. A viewing will be held from 4:00 - 8:00 PM on Monday, July 22, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mountain Ave & E. High Street, Bound Brook. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at St. Joseph Church. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Burial Park, 899 Lincoln Avenue, Piscataway.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent in Coach I’s name to:The NJ Sharing Network https://www.njsharingnetwork.org/contribute or The West Point Wrestling Club https://www.westpointwrestlingclub.org/west-point-wrestling-club-donation/