Local Little League community mourns the loss of Elaine Iaquinta

Elaine Iaquinta, second from left, was an important figure in N.J. District 12 Little League for many years. She is flanked by Peggy Koehler, an assistant district administrator and friend, and her husband Jack Iaquinta. District 12 Administrator and friend Dave Koehler is on the right.

Longtime volunteer was part of N.J. District 12 leadership for many years

By Mary Ann Tarr

There just wasn’t a shy bone in her body. She could talk to anyone and when you met her, there was no way you could forget her.

Elaine Iaquinta made friends wherever she went, including thousands of Little League fields. She logged countless volunteer hours, including time spent at youth baseball games in Hamilton and Robbinsville and other locations in Mercer County and beyond.

A former administrator in the New Jersey District 12 Little League and the wife of District Administrator Emeritus Jack Iaquinta, Elaine died Jan. 31 in Naples, Fla.

“Elaine Iaquinta was a great person, wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed retirement in Florida!” said Lillian Baruch Foy, in a Facebook post announcing the passing of her friend.

“Elaine’s dedication to the Little League program and recognition of the role it played in the development of children was very special,” said Dave Koehler, administrator for N.J. Little League District 12. “Particularly at tournament time, she helped ensure that we never lost sight of Little League’s mission to develop young boys and girls into good citizens and not just good athletes. District 12 mourns the loss of a great volunteer and friend.”

Before becoming district administrators, Jack and Elaine Iaquinta were also active volunteers in Nottingham Little League.

Koehler traveled to Florida to “convey the sympathies of the greater Little League community to Jack, Jay, Rick and the entire family.” A celebration of Elaine’s life took place earlier this month at the Crystal Lake Clubhouse in Naples.

Married to Jack for 56 years, Elaine was a devoted wife and mother. She is survived by sons John Iaquinta (wife Sharron) and Rick Iaquinta (wife Patti) as well as three grandchildren.

Very often with a dog at her side or on her lap, through the years Elaine loved Bailey, Buttons and Blazer, the family’s pets, who sometimes made appearances at the Little League fields.

For many years, the Iaquintas made annual pilgrimages to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., including the year (1992) when Nottingham was a U.S. finalist. They were the heart and soul of a contingent from District 12 that built friendships through those August vacations in South Williamsport.

Her husband and sons have asked that contributions in Elaine’s honor be made to “NJ District 12, Little League Baseball, Inc.,” c/o 37 San Marco Street, West Windsor, NJ 08550.

“Sad about Elaine,” said Chuck Latini, ADA and Chief Umpire of Baseball for District 12. (She) always made you laugh!”

 

Obituary for Elaine Iaquinta

Elaine Iaquinta of Naples, Fla., and formerly of Hamilton Township, N.J., passed away on Jan. 31, 2017. She was born in Nanticoke, Pa., on April 27, 1940. She was predeceased by her parents Stanley and Eleanor Stempien.

A devoted wife and mother, she is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jack Iaquinta.

She is also survived by son John Iaquinta and his wife Sharron and son Rick Iaquinta and his wife Patti as well as three grandchildren (Lorraine, John, and Abbie).

Elaine was an avid bowler and volunteered her time as president of Nottingham Little Leagues Ladies Auxiliary and then as Assistant District Administrator District 12 L.L. Baseball.

A private celebration of life took place Feb. 4 in Naples.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

NJ DIST 12 LL Baseball Inc.

37 San Marco St.

West Windsor, NJ 08550

About The Author


(Don’t feel old enough to be, but I am) a veteran journalist. In no particular order, lover of words, sports, music, dogs, community. Share that love with understanding and kind husband. Appreciate value of parks and recreation. Odd selection of favorite sports teams: Miami Dolphins, Boston Celtics, NY Mets, Philadelphia Flyers. Picked up other Philly (!) sports teams via marriage. Avid recycler.