COACH: a person who teaches and trains the members of a sports team and makes decisions about how the team plays during games.
At its most basic, coaching is about teaching someone how to utilize their strengths, work on what needs to be improved, and win by playing by the rules. At its core, a coach is teaching a child about life and how to recognize their strengths, always work to improve, succeed in any endeavor, learn from their mistakes, and always play by the rules.
For almost three decades, Ken Iachio has done just that by volunteering his time to benefit children. On October 20th, Mayor & Council recognized Ken for his service to his community.
“It’s a privilege and an honor to bring up a good friend, Kenny Iachio,” said Mayor Carl Hokanson, “Kenny gives the true meaning of what a Parkers is. If we had to list all his deeds and do’s and affiliations, it would be like this long. So we’re just going to keep it short and sweet because I know how Kenny is.”
“Short and sweet,” jokingly interjected Mr. Iachio who was in attendance along with his family and friends, including fellow coach Gary Bundy.
Second Ward Councilman Joseph Petrosky offered a few words about his friend, “I wanted to bring up Ken for his many years of service to this borough. Baseball, Dad’s Club, Board Of Education, basketball, American Legion, [and] umpiring. Anytime we needed an umpire we always would call Ken. [He] also he knew rules. No one knew rules. We always went to Ken and he was able to always let us know what the right rules [were].”
The councilman recited Ken’s many accomplishments and even recounted how Ken had the children in his team sign his baseball this year, just as he had done in his first year as coach. Councilman Petrosky then concluded, “It was a pleasure coaching with you. I’m going to definitely miss you. We’ve got big shoes to fill . . . I want to thank you on behalf of the borough, the kids of Little League for many years . . . Thank you for what you did for the town.”
Mr. Iachio’s recognized service of over 27 years to the youth of Roselle Park includes:
- 13 years as a member of the Roselle Park Board Of Education
- 25 years as a member of the Roselle Park Dad’s Club
- 15 years as president of the Roselle Park Dad’s Club from 2001 to 2015
- 27 years as a member of the Roselle Park Youth Baseball & Softball League
- 18 years as treasurer of the Roselle Park Youth Baseball & Softball League
- 10 years as a Roselle Park Pop Warner coach
- 10 years as an American Legion coach
- 8 years as the Roselle Park Youth Basketball Director
- Member of the Roselle Park Dad’s Club Hall of Fame
- Member of the American Legion Hall of Fame
- Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus Msr. Loreti Council #3240
