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Obituary: TCNJ Wrestling Coach David Icenhower Dies at 66

Icenhower
Icenhower

Legendary wrestling coach David B. Icenhower, who guided the Lions team at The College of New Jersey for 35 seasons, died Saturday, Oct. 25, after a long battle with cancer. He was 66.

Born in Norfolk, Va., he lived in the Mercer county area for the last 40 years, most recently in Robbinsville.

“Ice” attended Lehigh University, and while earning his bachelor’s degree he completed Officers Candidate School and became a Lieutenant JG with the United States Navy. While in the Navy, he served as athletic director and wrestling coach at the Naval Academy Preparatory School.

Icenhower earned his master’s degree in counseling at The College of New Jersey.  He took over the wrestling program at the college in the 1976-77 season and guided the Lions to unprecedented heights. He retired in 2011. He left his mark both on the Ewing campus and at the national level as one of only  four coaches at any NCAA level to surpass 500 wins. Icenhower finished his career with a 535-80-4 dual-meet record and ranks second in career wins at the Division III level.

His former students and co-workers remember him most for his ability to listen and offer guidance, his passion for the college, and his dedication to his family

Pre-deceased by his parents, Admiral Joseph and Edna (Shaffer) Icenhower, he is survived by his loving wife of 36 years; Nancy (Turinsky) Icenhower, two sons; David B. Icenhower and wife Rebecca and Jared Joseph Icenhower, a daughter; Christie MacDonald and husband Richard, two brothers; Dr. William Icenhower and wife Barbara and Dr. Joseph Icenhower and wife Judith. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cherished friends and wrestlers.

A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville, 2688 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648. Burial will be private.

Relatives and friends may call on Thursday evening for 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at D’Errico Whitehorse Mercerville Chapel, 2365 Whitehorse Mercerville Road in Hamilton.

Memorial contributions in David’s memory may be made to the David B. Icenhower Endowment Scholarship Fund, are of the College of New Jersey Office of Development, Po Box 7718, Ewing, NJ 08628-0718. Donations can also be made online.