Charles E. Pollock

With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce the passing of Charles Edward “Ed” Pollock on May 20, 2026. Ed was a beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandpa, and papa whose life was marked by service, leadership, music, and devotion to family.

Ed was born on June 17, 1932, in Gallatin, Pennsylvania, the only child of Charles and Margaret Pollock. He spent his early years in Clarksville, Pennsylvania, where he worked as a paper boy, helped in his father’s grocery store, and discovered a lifelong love of music. As a young man, he became a talented musician and eventually led his own small band.

He enlisted in the United States Army and served in Korea as the company bugler. Following his military service, and with the encouragement of a trusted mentor and fatherly friend, Ed attended Waynesburg College before earning an additional degree from The Ohio State University.

Ed began a distinguished career with Columbus Public Schools after accepting teaching positions in Columbus, Ohio. Over the years, he served as both a teacher and administrator, with one of the highlights of his career being his role as principal of Northland High School. He also served in leadership positions at several other schools throughout the district.

Among his proudest professional accomplishments was being selected to participate in the prestigious Danforth Program, which allowed him to travel throughout the country learning innovative approaches to education that he later brought back to the district. In 1972, Ed also served on the desegregation planning committee that helped establish and implement the district’s sweeping integration plan in 1979.

Because of his strong belief that community involvement was essential to quality public education, The Columbus Citizen-Journal honored him as one of the “Top 10 Men of 1972.”

Education, music, and cars were among Ed’s greatest passions, and each of his three children inherited an appreciation for at least one of them.

Later in life, Ed discovered another interest through purchasing and managing properties in the university district. He enjoyed leasing apartments to students attending The Ohio State University and, over the years, became landlord and mentor to hundreds of young people.

A lifelong lover of music, Ed formed the band Encore and brought joy to many audiences by performing in retirement and nursing facilities throughout his retirement years.

For more than 20 years, Ed faithfully attended First Baptist Church of Groveport, where he played in the church band and formed many cherished friendships.

Ed was a devoted grandfather who treasured time with his grandchildren. He took the older grandchildren to Old Man’s Cave, where they cooked breakfast outdoors before hiking together. The younger grandchildren often accompanied him on his “apartment runs,” followed by lunch at Panera. He rarely missed their school programs, ball games, theater productions, dance recitals, or any activity that involved them.

Ed was an enthusiastic supporter of Ohio State football and loved encouraging young people to make wise decisions and pursue their education. He believed deeply in preparing for life through hard work, discipline, and learning.

A student and lover of history, Ed enjoyed traveling with his wife, Patricia, throughout the United States and across Europe. Italy was especially dear to them, and they spent many memorable summers there together.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Margaret Pollock. He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia; sons Robert (Bobbi) Pollock and John (Kathleen) Pollock; daughter Janet (Brian) Routzong; stepsons Joseph Younkin and Michael (Felisha) Younkin; grandchildren Jacob Pollock, Rachael (Matt) Pollock, Katelyn (Evan) Pollock, Kyle (Courtney) Pollock, Jaclynne (Matt) Frank, and Austin Routzong; and stepgrandchildren Devon (Alyssa) Boyer, Schuyler (Darci) Boyer, Carter, Ella, Finn, Grant, Hudson, Isaiah, and Julia Younkin, Ben and Barrett Boyer.

He is also lovingly remembered by special friends Jerry and Kaitlyn Einsiedel and their sons, Camden and Teddy.

Ed’s legacy lives on through the countless students, friends, family members, and community members whose lives he touched with kindness, wisdom, music, and encouragement.

Family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, May 28th 10am-12pm at Schoedinger Funeral Home, 6699 North High St. Worthington, Ohio 43085 followed by a funeral service at 12pm. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s cemetery, 6440 S. High St. Lockbourne, Ohio 43137.

Donations can be made in Ed’s honor to Ohio’s Hospice, Marysville.