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David Polk Obituary
May 26, 1948 - June 4, 2016
YORK
David Polk, 68, passed away peacefully on Saturday with his loving wife of 35 years, Frances (McCabe) Polk, at his side.
David was born on May 26, 1948 in Parma, Ohio, the son of Lois Marie (Dingfelder) Polk of Medina, Ohio and the late Michael Polk.
David received a Bachelor of Science degree from Baldwin-Wallace College, a Master of Arts from Kent State University, and earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology from The Catholic University of America. He was initiated into the Alpha Epsilon Delta International Premedical Honor Society and the Pi Gamma Mu National Social Science Honor Society.
An accomplished Professor Emeritus at York College, a noted researcher, consultant and business expert, David also served as Chair of the Behavioral Sciences Department and as a Director of the Institute of Applied Social Research. He influenced generations of college students to accomplish social good by doing reliable research.
He was co-founder of Polk-Lepson Research Group and served on the faculty of the American Bankers Association School of Marketing and Management. He selflessly lent his skills and talents to the York Community playing key roles on initiatives and committees to the betterment of many organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, York Literacy Council, York Arts, United Way Youth Services and the York County Heritage Trust. Typical of his modesty, David did not seek recognition but among many awards he received were the Professional Service and Leadership Award from the York College Alumni Association and the Rotary Foundation District Service Award of Rotary International.
David and Fran made many friends from their civic involvements. He was an active member of Rotary Club of York and prior to his illness, was slated to be President for the club's 100th year, a past President of the International Wine and Food Society, York Branch and a member of the Country Club of York. He and Fran enjoyed golf, skiing and traveling, returning numerous times to Bermuda, Aspen and Vail.
In addition to his wife, Fran, his memory will be cherished by his family, including his brother, Robert M. Polk, his companion Maria Pereira of Texas; a nephew, Steven Polk his wife Kathy and their daughter Kaley; his sister, Jeanne M. and her husband John Hurt of Ohio; nephew Bryan Hurt his wife Marri and their son Ezra; and Emily Hurt her wife Erin Vance; his mother-in-law, Frances Wolf McCabe and in-laws, Elizabeth McCabe and George Shorb; nephew Alexander V. Shorb; niece, Elizabeth Shorb Bruscia and her husband Michael Bruscia and their daughter Elizabeth "Ellie" Bruscia; in-laws, Patricia McCabe and John Latchaw; niece, Rachel Latchaw Bupp and her husband Adam Bupp.
A remembrance will be held on Friday, June 17th at The Charles Wolf Gymnasium in the Grumbacher Center at York College with a visitation from 1:30 – 3:30 and the service at 4 PM. Kuhner Associates Funeral Directors, Inc., 863 South George Street, York, is in charge of arrangements.
Contributions can be made to York College of Pennsylvania, 441 Country Club Road, York, PA 17403; or to Rotary Club of York c/o Yorktowne Hotel, 48 East Market Street, York, PA 17401.
KuhnerAssociates.com
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Memories and Condolences
for David Polk
Sponsored by InYork.com.
Bob Trimble
June 2, 2023
I just learned of David´s passing. I enjoyed working with David in the 90´s. He was a true gentleman with the heart of a teacher.
I´m truly sorry for your loss. David was a trusted consultant and personal friend. He made the world a better place.
October 2, 2016
Dear Family,
At the 50th Parma High Reunion my wife and I learned of this and were very saddened. I grew up with Dave on Laverne Ave. in Parma. We often played together and of course went through all the Parma schools as classmates.
I still recall the day May 26 when we discovered
each other bringing candy to class.
Dave was a wonderful friend.
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Phil & Tina Bisesi
Helga and Joseph Seidl
June 19, 2016
Our deepest sympathy our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. The Seidl Family
June 17, 2016
David, we miss you and offer our care and love to Fran and your family.
You set the standard for being a gentleman and always seeking and finding positive solutions.
You have made such a lasting difference in your community and with thousands of students and clients. Peace, Your friend, Tom Donley
bonnie & jeremy chignell
June 15, 2016
Sending so much love to David's family and friends. May you all find peace and lean on each other as you celebrate his 68 years.
Rob E.
June 14, 2016
Dr. Polk was an amazing professor and person. He had such a positive impact on life during my years at York College. He made me laugh everyday in class, while learning valuable life lessons that will never be forgotten.
Robert Parker
June 12, 2016
I remembered Dr. Polk not from class but from the campus meetings. He came to YCP during my 2nd year.
He will be missed not only by the college, the York community, but all those who came across his path - and wealth of insight into society and it's workings - good and bad.
He and Lepson helped make York County look at itself - and make York County better for all.
To his family and his college family - he will be missed - but he will be remembered for generations now and to come.
Rob Parker '75
June 10, 2016
My deepest condolences, as a student and usually one of the oldest in most of my courses, Dr. Polk never made me feel less than. He always asked for my experiences from being 1. a female, 2. left handed, 3. African American. He took the research and statistics he had completed and always compared them to my real life! He made the vision I had a reality. He introduced me to York City and everything it had to offer. Dr. Polk never ceased to amaze me, with his witty comebacks and dry humor, he made every class I had with him an exciting one! While under his instructions I completed the Strand Capital research in 2014. His enthusiasm and knowledge of York City was amazing. He was able to get my husband and I free tickets to see Bill Mauer in show that month!!
I will always remember the story he told(I think I heard it once or 3 times!), it went something like this; While a student at Kent, I had a professor who gave us 2 options to choose from for a final; 1. take an automatic 75% on the test and you won't have to take it, or option 2. Stay and take the test, you might get better than a 75%, you may not. The majority of students in the class, took the easy way out and took the 75%. They all ran out as if they had hit the lottery and began their summer break. The minority stayed. After the majority left, his professor told the class, this is life. Some will always take the easy way out and never see the possibilities in front of them because the easy way looks better and it's quicker. His professor went on to say "congratulations you all receive an "A''.You believed in your ability, therefore I believe in your ability."
Dr. Polk told our class, never underestimate yourself, for what seems to be the easy way. Always trust in your ability & never let someone determine your worth.
Dr. Polk Thank You for your kind words, instilling facts, giving me a separate set of eyes to see the world through.
Dr. Polk, You will forever be missed.
Your Student C/O 2014,
Behavior Science
Ebonne Davis
S Taylor
June 9, 2016
So very sorry for your great loss. As many others have expressed, Dr. Polk was a fabulous professor who was very caring and nurturing to his students. I also had the privilege to work with him and learned so much. He gave to the community and all those who he met, unconditionally. A remarkable man gone much too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Fran, and the entire family.
Freddie Zittle
June 8, 2016
Fran
My deepest sympathy to you and the family. York has lost a great man. Dave was a fantastic, well liked educator, a great businessman and a very involved community member. He will be hard to replace in any of these endeavors. My thoughts are with you and the family during this difficult time. HUGS!!!
Brian Furio
June 8, 2016
It was my privilege to be one of Dave's colleagues at YCP for 30 years. I was shocked by his passing. He barely had time to enjoy his retirement. My sincere condolences to Fran and her family. Dave was a genuinely good man.
Thomas Smith
June 8, 2016
It has been a privilege to have known David... an exceedingly kind and articulate man. I will miss him .... heartfelt condolences to Fran and family.
LouAnn M. Riedel
June 8, 2016
In loving memory . . . . York College, and the entire York community have lost one of their most select finest. Thoughts and prayers for his beloved wife, Fran.
LouAnn M. Riedel
June 8, 2016
Dear Mrs. Polk,
It is with deep sadness that I learned Dr. Polk completed his earthly journey far far too soon.
I only had the pleasure and great fortune of having Dr. Polk for one or two courses during my degree program at YCP, but Dr. Polk was by far one of York College's very select finest.
Mrs. Polk, I truly am so very sorry for your profound loss. There was never a class without a mention of his beloved Fran.
Truly much too soon, but may Dr. Polk now know every joy of Heaven and Perpetual Light shine upon him.
LouAnn M. Riedel
Bachelor of Science, Behavioral Sciences
YCP, May 2011
LouAnn M. Riedel
June 8, 2016
Mrs. Polk and Family, I am so very saddened to learn of Dr. Polk having left this earth far too soon. So incredibly sorry to see this news. My sincerest sympathy.
I only had the pleasure and great fortune of having Dr. Polk at York College for one or two courses, but he was certainly among the top select of YCP's finest.
Bless you, Dr. Polk, and may you know every joy of Heaven, but such an incredible loss here on earth.
My prayers and thoughts are with you, Mrs. Polk, and may your memories bring you comfort.
York College of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science, Behavioral Sciences
2011
Connie (Leppo) Pickard
June 7, 2016
Fran,
My deepest condolences on the passing of your husband, David. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cindy Orndorff
June 7, 2016
Fran, So sorry to hear of Dave's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cindy and Tom Orndorff
Kristen Cartledge Former Student- YCP '13
June 7, 2016
To the Polk family I am so sorry for your loss. I am a former student of Dr. Polk. He was one of the best professors I had during my time at YCP. He was an amazing person and professor extremely knowledgeable and super caring. I loved his classes much, I learned so much from him. He is also one of the reason I got into grad school my masters of occupational therapy this past fall, he wrote me a glowing letter a recommendation which was extremely appreciated. This news saddens my heart and my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Lorelei Rohrbaugh
June 7, 2016
Sympathy to our dear neighbor, Fran & family, on the loss of her loving husband, David. When we first moved to the neighborhood, we were unloading a lawn tractor, and David came over immediately when he saw that we were having trouble. Wonderful neighbors who love life and enjoyed sharing their love with the world.
Joan Fulton
June 7, 2016
David contributed so much to our community. His valuable participation will be missed. Our sympathies to Fran and family at this somber time. Joan and Tim Fulton
June 7, 2016
We were very saddened to learn of Dave's death. Dave and Fran were loyal Market customers and truly wonderful people to chat with every Saturday morning. Wish we could have had just one more pumpkin pie for him.
Thoughts and prayers,
Sam and Patsy Hartman
Hartman's Fruit Farm
William and Jo Thompson
June 7, 2016
David was a wonderful professor and a kind and gracious man. He will be missed. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife Fran.
George Waldner
June 7, 2016
David was a pillar of the York College community, and, I am sure, a great resource of sage counsel in his academic department. We worked closely on the professionalism branding project, turning an idea into an attractive metaphor for the York College academic program. Hard work, creativity, good will, friendliness, and a light touch. That's Dave for me and I am sure there was so much more.
Judy and I own some of Fran's paintings, and we see both of them whenever we stand before those canvases.
Dave was a great guy, who deserved a lot more time at recess, in the calculus of this world.
Brittany Hess
June 7, 2016
By far my favorite professor at York. I looked forward to attending his classes and even took additional classes just to have him again. He was an awesome guy, sorry for your loss.
Joan And Mike Brennan
June 7, 2016
Mike and I send our deepest condolences to Fran and to David's family and many friends. We have many fond memories of times together, especially of the trip Fran and David made to visit us when we lived in Oregon. He will be greatly missed.
Linda and Woodie (Mumford)Harman
June 7, 2016
Fran, please accept our deep sympathy for your overwhelming loss! David will be missed by the entire community. His heart and leadership will always be remembered for generations to come.
Lacey Esposito
June 7, 2016
I am so sorry to hear this news. He was by far the best and most memorable professor that I had at York. So funny, humble and smart. The York community has lost a gem. Sending my condolences to his wife and family.
Former Student
June 7, 2016
Although your family doesn't know me, I was lucky enough to be one of Professor Polk's students in 2005-2006. He made my experience at York memorable and was a great person to learn from. Sincerest sympathies to the family & friends. Hope you receive some comfort in knowing that he was a great influence on many students, even the ones like me who didn't keep in touch.
Peter Lynch
June 7, 2016
An amazing professor and wonderful friend. My wife Marianne and I were inspired by his teaching, and loved his great sense of humor. I am so pleased I was able to see David twice in the last 6 months on trips to York from California. Our love and prayers to Fran who he adored.
Peter J Lynch
Cindy Heist
June 7, 2016
Dear Fran,
We are so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeff & Cindy
Marlena Bittner
June 7, 2016
We are so sorry to hear this news--he was such a kind man, and a wonderful dear friend to our father. Deepest condolences to the whole family.
Amanda, Shannon, and Marlena Bittner
Kim Anzalone
June 7, 2016
A good man who is gone much too soon. Our deepest sympathies to Fran and family.
Kim and Robert Anzalone
June 7, 2016
David was a warm, caring and committed person. Yorkers, we have really lost a great one. Truly dedicated to the community, his passion for York College, its students, the arts, and the entire community will be missed. Thinking of Fran and wishing a warm and happy reflection of all those memories,
John Brenner
Kristal Abenshon
June 7, 2016
He was a wonderful professor. Much sympathy to the family.
Christopher Eisenhart
June 7, 2016
My deepest condolences to Fran, the Polk family and the McCabe family.
Michael Yohe
June 7, 2016
My condolences to Fran and family,
Krista Tate
June 7, 2016
May David Rest In God's Eternal Peace.
Our deepest condolences to all of you at this hour.
Tim and Krista Tate
June 7, 2016
So sorry
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