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BORN
1942
DIED
2018
Leonard Pollacchi Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Pollacchi
Cherrine Murphy
February 12, 2021
Remembering with Love, Lennie Pollacchi, and wishing his beautiful family, continued spiritual support, May God bless you with all your needs. Cheri Murphy
cherrine murphy
February 12, 2019
Leonard played bass with my husband, Jerry Murphy, for 35 years, Len was a highly sought after musician,
and has a much admired family, Len was a personal friend for 59 years. he baby sat my children along with my brother Jim Neilson, when Len and Jim were in high school, and I worked 5 nights a week singing in 1957/8. He later taught my children music at Luther Burbank High School when they became high school students My memories are full of love. Dear friends, our deepest sympathy for your loss. Cherrine Murphy
Oliver Chu
May 12, 2018
Mr. Pollacchi was my orchestra director during the 7th and 8th grade (1992-1994) when he taught at Sam Brannan Middle School. I will always remember him for his constant interruption of the orchestra playing to correct the notes and rhythm, his sense of humor, and the many classical works and modern songs he had us perform. He was a great musician and a brilliant director. Rest in peace, Mr. Pollacchi, and prayers.
Selwyn Gonsoulin
March 31, 2018
Leonard subbed for the 30's-40's-50's Dance Band on many occasions. After the last rehearsal he said, "Het Sel, It's been 30 years since I first subbed with you guys." This translates to a first sub in 1988. What a great friend and marvelous musician. It always was a pleasure to see Lenny. He added much to the rhythm section of the band & was simply a great guy. It was an honor and privilege to know you. Lenny will be greatly missed.
March 25, 2018
What a true and real person. From Junior High at Sutter to Sac Hi, over 60 years and he was always not just into music, a very good musician, he was into working with young people to help them understand and enjoy music. Lenny always had a smile on his face, a great attitude and one who I never heard him say a bad word about anybody. You have many friends and I am sorry I did not know you had passed until today when I opened a message from Luci. My prayers are for you and your family. Good By my friend and God Bless you and your family. Harry G. Williams
Lenny and Anthony take a ride
Kelli Horne
March 25, 2018
Anthony assists in adjusting harness
Kelli Horne
March 25, 2018
Lenny buckles up for a ride
Kelli Horne
March 25, 2018
Lenny and Anthony lift bonnet of Allard
Kelli Horne
March 25, 2018
Lenny and Anthony discuss Allard
Kelli Horne
March 25, 2018
Lenny's Alfa and Anthony's Allard
Kelli Horne
March 25, 2018
Lenny, Anthony, Bill during Alfa Romeo and Allard ride
Kelli Horne
March 25, 2018
becky botelho-tanihana
March 17, 2018
I will always remember when Mr. Pollachi arranged to have members of the Sacramento Symphony play with our school orchestra for a performance. His inspiration and motivation, elevated the "status" of the orchestra and gave us opportunities not normally available in a public high school music program. I will always cherish those memories. Thank you Mr. Polllachi for your love of music and for sharing it with your students. My deepest condolences to his family.
Becky Botelho-Tanihana
Luther Burbank Class of 78
March 17, 2018
Heartfelt condolences to all the family--he was a true original and his life and love will inspire us forever.
Iris Martinez Kane (Luther Burbank Concert and Marching Bands 1971-1973), Jack Kane, and Aurora Kane
Kevin Eldridge
March 13, 2018
I graduated from Luther Burbank in 1976. Mr.Pollacchi was my guitar teacher for three years - my favorite classes! I remember him showing us slides of his honeymoon (in Europe I believe) and of his newborn child. I still have the same guitar I had in high school and the sheet music he gave us students. He was one of the best.
Lenny in a hurry to tune the band.
Kelli Gonsoulin
March 12, 2018
It is with great sadness that I acknowledge the passing of a good friend and awesome music teacher. Upon reflection, Mr. Pollacchi will always and forever be regarded as one of the most influential, compassionate and inspiring teachers of my life. His enthusiasm and perfectionism live within my heart to this day. He will forever influence me in life and music. My sincere condolences to the Pollacchi family. Whenever we spoke, his pride and love of family was pre-eminate in his voice and facial expression. There are few in our lifetime who touch our hearts as this fine man. I shall remember him with great fondness as one of the most influential and inspiring people in my life. God Bless him and his lovely family. Heaven has its bass player so let's keep the music playing in our hearts and souls.
Holly, Lenny, Kelli in 1980 CKM Bandroom
March 12, 2018
Holly Wiggins, Lenny, Kelli on Gr ad night at Memorial Auditorum ~ 1979
Kelli Gonsoulin
March 12, 2018
Holly, Lenny, Kelli at CKM graduiation 1981
Kelli Gonsoulin
March 12, 2018
Lenny waiting for band to tune at CKM
Kelli Gonsoulin
March 12, 2018
Christopher Pollacchi at CKM function
Kelli Gonsoulin
March 12, 2018
Lenny rushing in bandroom pre performance
Kelli Gonsoulin
March 12, 2018
Jim Donnelly
March 5, 2018
I was a student at CK McClatchy from 1978-82. I took Mr Pollccchi's guitar class my freshman year then later played bass in the Jazz Ensemble and 3 of the musicals he conductor in my final 3 years. Without his belief in my abilities and mentoring none of that would have been possible. The fact that he was a bass player made those years even more of an incredibly enriching experience. He was truly the best bass player I've ever known. He was an amazing teacher and mentor. The musical knowledge he passed on to me carried me though my future playing days and is still a big part of my musical life today. His legacy will live on through the many people who's lives he touched like mine.
Todd Yee
March 3, 2018
Mr. Pollacchi was my middle school advanced band and jazz band teacher. I remember how enthusiastic and intense his approach to teaching was--so intense you could see the sweat drip off his face! He set the bar high for us and we would practice parts over and over until we got it right. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time.
Marla Pollacchi Toldo
March 1, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Peter Martin
March 1, 2018
He was a classmate at the US Naval School of Music. Our love and friendship are eternal indeed. Generous, talented, admired and loved. He is missed by many. May God's spirit fill the family with the hope of the resurrection during these early days of loss. His brother in Christ. Peter
Our family sends Love and Condolences the Pollacchi Family
February 27, 2018
Leonard was an important part of my life. Len played bass for 25 years with the Jerry Murphy Quartet He traveled to Europe with us to play Jazz Masses in Rome, Italy and Paris France, with the Sacramento Diocese Cathedral's 100 voice choir under the direction of Liturgical Priest Carl Steinauer
Len was from Lucca, Italy, My thoughts are with his loved ones here and abroad. Cherrine Murphy
February 27, 2018
Mr. Pollacchi was one of the best teachers ever. Prayers to his family.
Mike Edwards
February 27, 2018
There are teachers that teach and there are teachers that inspire. Mr. Pollacchi inspired. I had quit music until my friend introduce me to him. I returned to music. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Rick Wallinder
February 20, 2018
My heart also goes out to the Pollacchi family. I was fortunate enough to have Lenny at Luther Burbank both as a student teacher (1971) and as a teacher (1972). He led our stage band to achieve success we never dreamed of. Lenny made all of us want to do better and he showed us how we could all do not just better, but our best.
Sac High Graduation June, 1960
February 20, 2018
Richard Stoffel
February 20, 2018
My thoughts are with Dona and her family at this time. They, together, fought the good battle and gained time that was not promised but well lived!
February 18, 2018
My heart goes out to Mr. Pollachi's family at this sad time! He was my first high school band director at our brand new high school (Valley High, class of 1981), and he brought the joy and excitement of being part of a marching band to me and to my many friends (aka, bandgeeks). I've taught for 23 years now, and he's one of my teachers who paved the way! Sincerely, Heidi (Little) Witter
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