Norman L. Pollack

POLLACK Norman L. Pollack, age 88 of Fairfield, passed away at Bridgeport Hospital on May 19, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Bridgeport on November 12, 1922, to Samuel and Minerva Pollack, Norman was a life-long resident of Fairfield, where he became a leading figure in the business community. Following in the footsteps of his father, a Russian immigrant, who came to the United States as a young man and established a tailoring and laundry business in Southport, Norman took over the enterprise after graduating from college. Some years later he expanded it and moved the base of operations to Fairfield Center's Post Road, where it became known as Fairfield Cleaners, the area's preeminent dry cleaning facility and one of the first Jewish-owned businesses in Fairfield. As Norman's interests diversified, he transitioned into commercial real estate. Under the auspices of First Post Corporation, he acquired substantial real estate holdings throughout Fairfield County. He was an active member of the Rotary Club International. A devoted family man, Norman could frequently be seen tooling around town in his sports car with the top down, or heading to Sasco Beach to join his wife and kids for a swim after work. Norman attended Pequot School in Southport and Roger Ludlowe High School before entering the University of Connecticut in 1940. His college career was interrupted by military service in World War II. He served in the Army Air Force as a communications specialist throughout the European theater from 1943 to 45, resuming his college education upon his return, and receiving a Bachelor of Sciences degree. Norman was an active member of the Phi Mu Delta fraternity, where he was best remembered for manning the soda fountain, which earned him the nickname "Sam the Soda Man," an allusion to his father. While at the University of Connecticut, he met his future wife, Jean Rocks of Milford, at a sorority dance. After 63 years of marriage, Jean passed away in February 2011. Norman is survived by David Pollack of Westport; Jeffrey Pollack of Seattle, Wash.; Lisa Pollack of New York, N.Y.; Jill Capuzzo of Riverton, N.J. and Laurie Trainor and her husband, Tim of Los Angeles, Calif. Norman's surviving grandchildren are Nevar Pollack and his wife, Marina of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Danielle Pollack and her partner, LaJohn McFadden of Brooklyn, N.Y. and their baby, Chloe Rose; and Grace and Julia Capuzzo of Riverton, N.J. The memorial service will take place Tuesday, May 24, 2011 in The Abraham L. Green and Son Funeral Home, 88 Beach Road, in Fairfield. Visitation will begin at 12 noon, with service to commence at 1 p.m.