Russell F, Pollitz

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.