"Dad, after all these years I miss you as much as ever. You continue to be an inspiration for me to live my life with hope for a better future and to set a good example for my own children. You instilled a lifetime of guiding principles into me and my brothers Matt and Russell."
In loving memory of
Russell F, Pollitz
March 26, 1928 - April 5, 2014
Russell Francis Pollitz of Puyallup, Washington, passed away on April 5, 2014 at his assisted living facility after a peaceful night surrounded by his sons.
Russell was born March 26, 1928 in Woburn, Mass. He was raised in Reading, Mass. and graduated from Reading High School in 1945. He served in the Army in Japan from 1946 to 1948.
Russell married Raquel Mellado in Coral Gables, Florida in 1957. They raised sons Russell, Fred, and Matthew in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Miami, Florida, West New York, New Jersey, Somerville, Mass., and Hudson, Mass., the latter from 1970 to 1987. Russell and Raquel returned to Miami, Florida in 1987.
In 1994 Russell moved to Winter Haven to be close to his sister Joyce and her family, whose company he enjoyed. In 1997 Russell moved to Seattle, Washington to be near his son Matthew. There he met Lois Crawford, whom he married in 1999 and with whom he lived until her passing in 2006. Thereafter he lived in the Northgate district of Seattle until recently.
Russell began working for the US Civil Service in 1955, serving the Social Security Administration. After retiring from the SSA in 1987 he worked as a typist for the University of Miami for several years.
Russell loved to travel during his younger years, living in Oakland, California, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Chicago, Illinois.
Russell loved writing good old fashioned letters, maintained a calendar with
birthdays and special occasions, and steadfastly observed them with letters.
He received countless letters in return.
He loved to teach himself German, motivated by his desire to write to his daughter-in-law Anja and her German mother.
He loved to read and often shared his passion by recommending his favorite biography or mystery novel to his friends and family.
He loved to be with his family, and they usually came to him. He fondly recalled trips to Germany and France in the early 90s to visit his sons.
He loved listening to music: the big bands, Andy Williams, The Carpenters, Roger Whittaker, and other names of a bygone era.
He loved to play family card games, cribbage, and backgammon. He loved the movies (the `pictures' in his day). He loved the old classics, and had an encyclopedic knowledge of the actors and actresses starring in them. He loved going to baseball games at Fenway Park in the 60s and 70s, and fondly recalled attending the 1967 World Series. He remained a loyal fan of the Boston Red Sox.
He loved eating out at restaurants in Seattle. He always loved his desserts.
Russell was a gentle soul who embodied old fashioned values, carrying the aura of a distant past coming alive. His unwavering politeness and ability to see the positive in all things enriched the lives of those around him. He was a beacon of simple goodness in a chaotic world.
Russell spent the greater part of his life working hard and pushing his sons out into the world with a good head start. We will miss him.
The family is grateful to the Emeritus Courtyard of Puyallup, Washington for caring for Russell during the last six months. They made him feel welcome with open hearts and embraced him as part of their extended family. The family is also grateful to the Good Samaritan Home Health and Hospice for their kindness, support, and respectful treatment of Russell during his last days.
Russell is survived by three sons, Russell O. Pollitz of Scottsdale, Arizona, Frederick Pollitz of Pleasanton, California, and Matthew Pollitz of Tacoma, Washington, two daughters-in-law, Anja Gutbrod-Pollitz of Pleasanton, California and Miranda Pollitz of Tacoma, Washingon, and three granddaughters,
Amy-Lynn, Rebecca, and Helena.
Tributes
"I am Raquel's sister, I was very young when I met Russell, he was very kind, soft spoken an a gentleman. I lost contact with them after my mother died; they moved to Mass. and I did not see them since. I have been trying to find out where my sister and her family is, but I had not found a valid address. Today 12/22/14 I found out about the passing of Russell, and I am very sad for this loss. My deepest condolences to your family. Maria."
"I am the youngest daughter of Joyce Pollitz Acree Landers and was privileged to have such a nice uncle in your Dad. The tribute and pictures you posted were wonderful! As I was looking at the one of Uncle Russ with his three sisters out in a lake in a row boat, it brought to mind the rowboat we had as kids and a new insight as to possibly why Momma & Daddy got the rowboat for us. I can only imagine that when Mom would see us out in it that it would bring special memories flooding back of her long ago childhood days in Massachusetts with her brother and sisters. That picture, which I had never seen before, is really neat to me because one of my favorite memories from childhood was going out in the rowboat with my two younger brothers on the lake behind our house. It gives me a glimpse of something both my mother & I shared in common from our young years. Thank you so much for sharing that! One tradition our family had growing up was for Mom to read any letters received in the mail that day after we finished eating supper that evening at the dinner table. Hence my earliest recollection of Uncle Russ....he regularly wrote news of your family. Then there was our visit to Miami, our visit to Pennsylvania when both our families came together for a visit at the home of our Bruton relatives, and my most vivid memories are of Uncle Russ here in Florida when he was here for several years in the 90's. We had many family gatherings that always included games along with lots of visiting and yummy food. There there was the little blue car he had while living in Winter Haven.....I was always amazed how he could fit in it because he was such a tall man. He was always kind, considerate, and very caring and I was blessed to have him in my life! Ray & I send our deepest sympathy to all your family. "
"I am Joyce Pollitz Acree Lander's oldest daughter. My mom was one of Uncle Russ' older sisters. As a child, I remember traveling four hours south to Miami, FL, to visit Uncle Russ' family. Uncle Russ was SOOO tall (6'4"??) and lanky; he towered over his wife Raquel, who was under 5 feet tall. I recall Uncle Russ being smiling and happy... delighted with his family. Aunt Raquel was pregnant with one of the boys. Because of her height, she was very round and roly-poly when pregnant; I thought she was adorable! When Uncle Russ moved near my mother in 1994, I was able to see him again a couple of times. He was the epitome of gentleness and kindness. "
"I am one of Joyce Pollitz Acree Lander's granddaughters. I remember meeting Uncle Russ when I was younger. He was gentle and kind, and a real gentleman.Praying for your family during this time."
"With heartfelt sympathy, Evergreen Washelli"