By Philip Sean Curran, Staff Writer
Larry Ivan touched many lives as a teacher in the Princeton public school system, a coach and, for decades, as the manager of the Community Park Pool.
Now friends are raising money to create a bronze relief portrait of him, to be installed at the pool next year. They announced this week that local sculptor Stephanie Magdziak will create the artwork that will be paid for through donations.
Non-tax deductible contributions can be made by check payable to the Larry Ivan Tribute Fund, sent to Cindy Hines Baker at 11 Edgebrook Road in Hamilton. Ms. Baker is a former front office staff member at the pool and friends with the Ivan family.
Donations also can be made over the Internet at www.gofundme.com/larryivan. Organizers say the cost of the portrait and installation is estimated around $17,000.
Toward that end, the Princeton Recreation Commission has donated $1,000, said municipal Recreation Director Ben Stentz by phone Thursday. Ms. Baker said Thursday that the idea of honoring him came up when she was having lunch with a client from Princeton who regularly uses Community Park Pool. Mr. Ivan’s name came up, and she thought this tribute would be appropriate for a man who has touched “so many lives.”
Mr. Ivan worked in the public schools starting in 1958 until his retirement in 1999. He also coached sports and was a constant figure at the pool in the summer. Mr. Ivan was battling health issues that prevented him from being the pool manager this season.
“The tribute has been a tremendous help to him personally in his recovery,” Ms. Baker said.
