Nicholas C. Polos

Dr. Polos was my idol at University of La Verne. I learned so much history from him, which bolstered my 33 years of teaching at Ganesha High School in Pomona, CA. However, what I really remember most about him was his humanity, his warmth and generous spirit that made a visit to his office a refuge from the rigors of college life. I do hope that he did not suffer the "cultural bends" as he ascended. God bless you, Dr. Polos.

Good man...will be missed...condolences to his family...

We were very saddened by the loss of our dear cousin Nick. His Mom Constance (Costoula) and my Mom Helen were sisters. Nick & Ethel & their beloved son Richard were very dear to us. I can remember growing up with Nick in Astoria, mostly the good times, and when they were first married, then had Richard. We saw them on their trips East and when Nick was at school in Cambridge, MA. It was always a joy to receive a letter from Nick, with all his activities. It is a tremendous loss, and I'm...

We wish to extend our thanks to all of those who attended Nick's memorial services, sent cards, flowers or other tokens of sympathy to acknowledge Nick's passing.

He was one of a kind, a true American patriot, and a kind and gentle person.

Given ALL Nick was able to accomplish in his life, it is appropriate that his headstone reads
"Magnum Opus" (trans: Great Work).

Nick was my mothers cousin. I met Nick and Ethel in the mid 1960's when they would come east during the summer. We saw them every summer for quite a few years. I have very vivid memories of Fishing with Nick at Breezy Point and also his stories of World War 2 and the Korean War. When my mother passed away, Nick came East and we had a really nice vist at a difficult time. My family and I were in California in 1998 and missed Nick (he was at sea teaching) but had a nice visit with Ethel. We...

My father, Peter Nicholas, was Nick's cousin. Although I never knew Nick that well, we communicated via letters, mostly while I was in college. He was always a favorite of my father. And, because of that, he was a very special person to me also.

Tolerant Teacher and Faithful friend

Patient, understanding,motivational, and caring to each and every student. Time was never a factor in his association with his students. He made every student believe in his own capabilities. Nick always said"history repeats itself" but no on ever did or ever will teach history like Nick Polos. He left us with appreciation for history and mankind. Thanks, Nick. '57

It's almost 46 years since I attended Mr. Polos's class at Claremont High (Class of '60). I still find myself making decisions that I can directly trace to things he taught. He was for me, and for the classmates I've talked to, the most influential teacher I ever had. I'd be remisss if I didn't mention that my dad took a class from Mr. Polos at Mt. SAC at night in 1961. We're a 2-Polos family.

With a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye he made history fun and interesting. He was a great teacher and a special man. It's been a long time since I was in his classroom but I've always remembered him with great respect.