Robert Stephen Polish

January 23, 1940 – August 6, 2025

Robert “Bob” Polish passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, at the age of 85. He was the beloved father of Emily Barden (née Polish) (Elliot) of Cleveland Heights, Ohio; Jeffrey Polish (Jacqueline) and Jill Matson (née Polish) (Robert, deceased), both of Brooklyn, New York. He was the cherished brother of the late Gary Polish (Sicilia Matos Ocasio, both deceased) and Janet Luciano (née Polish) (Peter). Bob was a treasured uncle, and the proud grandfather of five and great-grandfather of three.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Bob attended Stuyvesant High School before earning his B.A. from the City College of New York and his M.S.W. from the New York University Graduate School of Social Work. While living in Cleveland, he completed a three-year postgraduate training program in Gestalt Couple and Family Therapy at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland. From an early age, Bob was drawn to social work and dedicated himself to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Bob began his professional career at King’s County Hospital Center in New York, where he held several leadership roles, including Director of the Pediatrics Social Work Departments for both Inpatient and Outpatient Services, and Director of Training for the Department of Social Services.

In the 1970s, Bob relocated to Cleveland Heights, OH, to join Bellefaire Jewish Children’s Bureau, where he helped establish its Family Therapy program. He served there as a Family Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor until his retirement in 2011. A pioneer in the field of family therapy, Bob was also a Field Instructor for multiple graduate programs, including New York University and The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University, shaping the careers of countless professionals.

Beyond his career, Bob was an avid squash and tennis player and took up running in the 1970s, a passion he maintained for decades. He also earned his pilot’s license and found great joy in flying single-engine airplanes.

Bob’s life reflected his unwavering commitment to justice and equality. In 1963, he joined Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, advocating for civil and economic rights.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center at https://www.splcenter.org/support-us/. A memorial service will be held at a later date.