Search by Name

Search by Name

Michael R. Pollica

1945 - 2018

Michael R. Pollica obituary, 1945-2018, Plainfield, VT

BORN

1945

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home - Barre

58 Summer St.

Barre, Vermont

Michael Pollica Obituary

Michael "Mike" Robert Pollica, 72, drew his last breath at 2:30 am on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at Wolf River Farm in Plainfield, Vermont. Mike was held close and comforted by his wife of 52 years, his two daughters and two eldest grandkids. He was able to transition in the peace and comfort of his 1836 farmhouse on East Hill Road; his family's home since 1985. Two silent sentinels, Spruce Mountain and Bald Hill, kept watch over him as he made his way to the sparkling heavens.

Mike was diagnosed with stage-two adenocarcinoma of the esophagus in July, 2017. He and his family were hopeful that with treatment, his condition would improve and extend time with family and friends. And so with great hopes and careful consideration, Mike made the decision to commence chemotherapy. Once this approach was no longer effective in stunting tumor growth and the side effects became unbearable, treatment was terminated and palliative care with the support of Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice was implemented. Mike's desire to stay in his home would not have been possible without his wife Judy's unfaltering dedication to his health and quality of life and stringent adherence to his end-of- life preferences.

Mike was born October 22, 1945, in Brattleboro, VT to Robert L. and Barbara LaDuke Pollica. He graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1963, and from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia in 1969 with a BA in Business Administration and a certificate in accounting. He married Judy Allen in September, 1966 in Springfield, VT. After working in financial services for Oxford Industries in Atlanta for ten years, he was employed by the State of Vermont AOT in several managerial positions in financial services from 1983 until his retirement in 2007.

Mike was a man of many strengths and endless interests. He was a Civil War history buff, and assisted a friend in writing and publishing a Civil War armaments volume. He was a neighborhood jogger, fitness club tennis player and talented turkey whisperer. He fed (and named) wild turkeys in his backyard and had several eating from his hand. What saved us all was his sense of humor.

Mike enjoyed a lifetime of music. Whether playing his guitar and harmonica, or listening to Bob Dylan, John Denver, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, Johnny Cash, or Willie Nelson, he expressed enthusiasm and joy which was shared with family, friends, and especially his grandchildren. On Christmas Day, 2017, he played the ukelele for his grandkids.

Mike was a rugged outdoorsman and grew up deer hunting in southern Vermont with his father, uncles, and cousins. For many years, he hunted rabbits with his favorite coonhound, Sunny, by his side. His adventures with Sunny kept his family entertained for years.

Michael also had a somewhat unexpected eye for beauty and a lifelong appreciation for nature which he instilled first in his daughters and then in his grandchildren. From the top of Spruce Mountain he would say to the kids, "Just look at those colors," as they were wonderstruck at the 360 degree blue and purple mountains fading into the distance that they had climbed all the way up to see. When he looked across his field to Bancroft Pond, he saw more than a small body of water; he saw a jewel whose beauty was unparalleled.

During his last years, his love of boats and fishing gave him more excitement and adventures with friends and family. Mike was thankful for his First Mate, Ryan, who became his number-one fishing buddy and son-in-law. Two for the price of one. The highlight of the year was his annual trip to Western New York to fish the spring run of King Salmon in Lake Ontario. The anticipation of the trip would have Mike telling fishing stories to those around him for months in advance. His tales would come with a contagious smile that could light up the room around him.

This is the wonder and charm of Michael Pollica, a man who loved his life, his friends, and above all, cherished his family. We love you so much, Bapa. The lake is calling, and you must go.

Michael is preceded in death by his father, Robert L. Pollica; cousins George Moore, Paula Chickering, Gail Chickering; and Uncle Albert Gallagher.

He is survived by his mother, Barbara Pollica; wife, Judy Pollica; daughters, Lara and Sarah Pollica (Ryan Christiansen); grandkids, Autumn Rose Hunsinger, Jesse Michael James, Isabella Michelle Conway, Lila Jude Christiansen-Pollica and Georgia Saoirse Christiansen-Pollica; siblings, Carol Allen and Kathleen Gouger (Jack Gouger); niece Melanie Macie; nephews Jack Gouger and David Stillings; and numerous cousins with whom he shared his earlier years.

Michael Pollica's life will be celebrated the summer of 2018. Details will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of the Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer Street, Barre, VT.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.pruneaupollifuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Brattleboro Reformer on Feb. 9, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Pollica

Sponsored by Lila Jude Christiansen-Pollica.

Not sure what to say?





Ron Pickering

February 11, 2023

Mike, I will never forget you and our days playing ball together. You were the ace of our team. God Bless

Kathleen Pollica Gouger

February 10, 2023

Just want to say I love you brother,think of you every day. I hope you are in a dreamy wonderland that explodes with vast green fields , dazzling stars ,and lots of things you loved to do like catch big fish! Hold Jude in your arms,see you again one day.
Love always Sister K

Dwight

February 1, 2023

Miss you on Facebook, Mike.

January 16, 2020

My thoughts and prayers are with your family as you remember your love one. May God provide comfort and ease your sorrow through the power of prayer and the hope of his Kingdom to come with all of its promises. Matthew 6:9, 10; Daniel 2:44

Deb Blondin

September 5, 2018

So sorry for your loss. I met Mike at the Post Office in Plainfield when I was Postmaster. He loved to stop in to tell me he was headed out on a fishing trip to the Great Lake. He knew I loved to fish and hunt and was always full of great stories. So glad you are celebrating his life. Prayers and good thoughts to you and your family.

Ron Pickering

August 22, 2018

Mike, we grew up close to each other, played ball together, our Dad's worked together, then lost track of each other until Facebook. You and I had some good discussions about various issues. But, even when we did not agree, our friendship came through without a blemish. GOD BLESS YOU MY FRIEND.

Kathleen Pollica Gouger

August 10, 2018

Think of you every single day.
I miss you so much, love you my very special Bro
Sista K

Anthony Bushway

August 9, 2018

Mike was a great friend and fishing partner. He was the first mate on my charter boat. Clients loved his wit and humor. The world has lost one of the greatest people I know. Fish On Fish Man!

Daniel Hardy

August 9, 2018

Mike was so welcoming to me when I moved back to Plainfield and bought my parents home. He would frequently stop to say hi & chat as he drove by & if I was outside. He was so interesting and always had a positive word. I was so thrilled when he offered me the antique Vermont Department of Taxes sign with the stipulation that I hang it up. It went up that day he gave it to me & will hang there forever. Think of you Mike every day & every time I see it. People so get a kick out of it & I tell them how I came about having it & your great service to our state. Haven't received any payments though Rest In Peace, Mike!

Georgia Christiansen-Pollica

August 9, 2018

Miss you, Bapa.

Clay Poitras

February 15, 2018

I remember Mike as a great managerial colleague, fishing companion and friend. I know from our many years of working together of his intelligence, devotion to excellence and utmost integrity. I admired him as a person of many talents - throughly dedicated to his family and country, and of fine disposition - a man of energy, humor, compassion and generosity. Albeit of many talents, Mike was the most dedicated and savvy salmon fisherman I have ever known. He will be sorely missed.

Barb Henry '85, Oglethorpe University

February 14, 2018

The Oglethorpe University Family was sad to hear of Mike's passing. Rest in peace.

Ken Feld

February 12, 2018

Mike and I were tennis partners for many years in the 90's and the 2000's years. He was a great guy to hang out with and we had some great matches. I was sad when he could no longer play tennis due to a serious injury but he was philosophical about it and said he would have lots of fun going fishing instead of playing tennis.
Thanks for all the great memories, Mike. Ken Feld

Isabella Conway

February 11, 2018

To Grandpa Mike,
I will always have very special place for you in my heart. You were my one and only Grandpa. I loved every moment spent with you, especially out doors. My love for you cannot be expressed in words. I will miss you, always but never forget you.

Bill Christmas

February 11, 2018

Mike was a distant cousin of mine and friend. I can still see him standing on the mound for the Lions in Little League. Sounds like he lived a wonderful life. Rest in peace.

Keith Sweat

February 11, 2018

Laura, sending my sincere condolences to you and your family. May your higher power will give you strength during these trying times. R.I.P. Mr. Pollica.

Valeria Carroll

February 11, 2018

My condolences to you and your family on your loss.

Mo Cunningham

February 10, 2018

What a Beautiful Tribute to your Dad. Sending you all Healing Reiki Energy and lots of Hugs to help you through your loss. How lucky to have such a Wonderful man in your Life! XO

Paul Rounds

February 10, 2018

My deepest sympathy for the loss of such a wonderful person Mike will be missed by many. King Louie RIP my friend and I will know you are the bright star shining down on us.

Lara Pollica

February 9, 2018

https://youtu.be/pBV1tkkPbwI

February 9, 2018

Mike was President of our class: Brattleboro Union HS 1963. I reconnected with him in preparation for our 50th Reunion and have enjoyed many subsequent discussions and arguments with him on Facebook. Condolences to his family. Rest in peace, Mike. The rest of us are coming before too long.
Dwight Mac Kerron
Stoughton, Mass.

ilene Gormly

February 9, 2018

A wonderful tribute to a great man. I am sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to those who loved him; I hope that your wonderful memories will give you comfort.

Jim Lawrence

February 9, 2018

Mike was everybody's "neighbor" and I considered him a good friend. He and I used to play pool at Jimmy's several times a week during our lunch break when we both worked at AOT. I have lots of happy memories of Mike, truly a really good guy.

February 9, 2018

My condolences to the family. May the wonderful memories of your loved one comfort you until God's promises are fulfilled. Matthew 5:5

Mike Doucette

February 9, 2018

So very sorry to hear of Mike's passing, enjoyed our on line conversations and shared opinions on many subjects. Our condolences to his family and many friends, I will miss our discussions of old Atlanta and the places we both have visited.

Gerry Hartley

February 9, 2018

My heart felt condolences to the family and Mike's close friends. Rest easy Mike.

Wayne & Kimberly Ennis

February 9, 2018

My heart goes out to all of Mike's family. He was a good man. A loving husband and father. I remember all the hard work that was put into fixing up the farm house. Just keep the stories and memories going. God be with you all.

Terry Martin

February 9, 2018

My deepest Condolences to Family as you mourn in this deepest valley of Life. Mike and I go way back here in Brattleboro and over his life, a Great Man, a Doer, and Leader.

Donald Pollica

February 9, 2018

I am sorry for missed opportunities and wish that I had had the wisdom and foresight to have known Mike better. I will cherish the moments we spent together as kindred spirits.

kathleen gouger

February 8, 2018

Life will never be quite the same without you in it. I love you my brother Mike

Laura Cornell

February 8, 2018

I will miss Mike. We use to play pool together when I worked with him at AOT, we actually started the AOT pool tournament, it was a blast! My thoughts are with the family.

Sarah Pollica

February 7, 2018

Love you, dad.❤

Pam Morin

February 7, 2018

May your memories of happy times bring you all through this difficult time. He will be missed. Think of him fishing, playing tennis or spending time with the family.

Joan Blondin

February 7, 2018

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Gerry & Gayle Cormier

February 7, 2018

Judy and Family,
If he got along with Gerry, he was a good man. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Hoping my comment has brought a smile in this somber time.

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Pollica's name

Memorial Events
for Michael Pollica

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home - Barre

58 Summer St. P.O. Box 370, Barre, VT 05641

How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Pollica's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more