Daniel H. Polett, 89, a prominent businessman, philanthropist, and community leader, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, in Gladwyne, PA. Known for his significant contributions to the Philadelphia area and beyond, Dan’s life was marked by his dedication to business excellence, community service, and his devout Catholic faith.

Born on July 14, 1935, in Madison, NJ, Dan served in the U.S. Army Honor Guard and graduated with distinction from Fordham University before attending the General Motors Institute. In 1971, he purchased Wilkie Buick and opened twelve dealerships in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida, and West Virginia. Among these, Wilkie Lexus in Haverford, PA, and Lexus of Chester Springs are still operating today. Dan’s dedication to exceptional customer service is well-known and widely recognized in the auto industry.

Apart from his business success, Dan was deeply involved in the community. He served on the boards of several organizations, including St. Ignatius Nursing Home, Meridian Bank, Temple Hospital, and Temple University, where he was Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 2006 to 2009. His generous efforts earned him numerous awards, including Trustee of the Year by Modern Healthcare Magazine, Community Leader of the Year by the Arthritis Foundation, and Humanitarian of the Year by Magee Rehabilitation Hospital. Temple University honored him with its Musser Excellence in Leadership award and renamed its main campus thoroughfare in his honor. Dan’s contributions also extended to various Catholic organizations and initiatives, which the Catholic Church recognized by appointing him as a Knight of the Order of St. Gregory.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Margo Barry Polett, with whom he shared almost 62 years of love and devotion. He is also survived by his five children, Daniel Polett Jr., Marc Polett and wife Elizabeth, Robert Polett, Christopher Polett, and Margo Polett and husband Jorge, and his three grandchildren, Liam, Lucas, and Howie. Daniel Polett’s legacy will live on through his family, businesses, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity. He will be dearly missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass celebrating Daniel Polett’s life to be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 11:00 AM at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul, 1723 Race St., Philadelphia, PA. Interment will be private.

Published by Journal Gazette & Times-Courier on Oct. 3, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Polett

30 Entries

Marc Polett

October 1, 2025

Marc Polett

May 2, 2025

Marc Polett

April 2, 2025

Marc Polett

February 9, 2025

Constable Eric Bradway

December 18, 2024

He was a very great Man Thanks Dan for the great opportunity you gave me .

Margo and Your Loving Family

Planted Trees

Marc Polett

November 23, 2024

Marc Polett

November 6, 2024

October 29, 2024

I am so very sorry for your family’s loss.
My father, Dr Norman Learner, took care of Dan for many years. His smile and kindness lit every room and life he entered.
Dan purchased several of my paintings over the years and l always knew that they were in the best environment.
May his memory be a blessing.
Fondly,
Lisa Learner

Sandra Caprisecca

October 11, 2024

So sad to hear of the lost of Mr. Polett. As the Chief Nursing Officer, I was fortunate to have witnessed his sincere compassionate, caring leadership during Temple University Hospital Board of Trustees meetings when he served as the Board's Chairmen. He was committed to support the Hospital services to best meet the needs of the community. He was a sincere outstanding individual.

Gary Barbera

October 11, 2024

Our condolences for the loss of your Patriarch Dan Mr. Polett. Margo and the Polett Family, you don't need to hear what an incredible man your husband and father was because you know first hand. We all do. I'm going to tell you anyway. When I think of Mr. Polett many adjectives flood my thoughts - success, discipline, intelligence, automotive icon, trailblazer, philanthropist, family means everything, God-centric, leader, character - the list can go on forever. Wonderful neighbor to the Gladwyne Community, St. John Vianney Church wont be the same without him, Temple University better because of his time, all while maintaining his dedication for the neighbors of North Philadelphia. Mr. Polett believed in hard work and to work more rather than worry and to give back along the way. Control what you can . Mr. Polett will be sadly missed and never forgotten. He is watching over his entire family and the Philadelphia/ Gladwyne Communities from the best seat in the house with an angel's eye view. Rest in Peace - His was a life well lived. We could all learn from this man about how to be better. - Gary Barbera and Family

Marc Polett

October 10, 2024

Nanette Giles

October 8, 2024

Thank you for being an extraordinary friend to our family, especially to my husband's parents, Bill and Nancy. Please accept our deepest condolences. Rest in peace, Dan.

Rebecca Elias

October 8, 2024

I met Mr. Polett through the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation and its work with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He was so kind and gracious. I had also learned that he was a Fordham University alum (as am I) and remember chuckling with him after a Fordham/Temple basketball game when asking who he routed for more. Many thoughts and prayers to his entire family and friends. Well done, good and faithful servant. Requiescat in pace

Andrea Edrei

October 7, 2024

Mr. Polett was such a wonderful neighbor and always had such a warmth about him. We will miss seeing him and his incredible smile.

Jones Joseph

Sent Flowers

Steve Charles

Planted Trees

Lynn Caron

October 7, 2024

He was generous, kind, witty and very much a gentlemen. He will be missed.

Lois Foley

October 7, 2024

My heartfelt condolences and prayers go to Margo Barry Polett and her five devoted children. Daniel Polett was and will always be thought of as a true Gentleman. I shall be forever grateful to have known such a kind and generous man.

Cynthia Crum

October 7, 2024

Mr Polett started my career in the Automotive Industry. He hired me to be his first Fleet Manager for Wilkie Buick. He was a great Mentor and Employer. He fostered a family dealership.
I’m still very good friends with persons I worked with in 1980!
My most sincere condolences to his family, his beautiful wife Margo and his children.
To his Dealership Family I know his presence can’t be replaced.
It’s amazing that whomever I speak with in the Automotive world has only the most respectful words to say about him.
Sending Love and Prayers
Cynthia

Rod Plourde, Service Aisle and Valet, Chester Springs Lexus

October 6, 2024

To the Polett Family: My sincere sympathy goes out to Dan's wife Margo, Dan's children, and grandchildren on his passing. I was hired part-time at Chester Springs Lexus in 2016, and had several opportunities to be in Dan's presence on his visits there. He was always friendly, engaging, and gracious to me and others. A true gentleman.

Frank Giuliano

October 6, 2024

I am deeply sad over the lose of a person that influenced my life so much Dan was someone that taught me the auto business , but more so taught me how to be a good person that always helped anyone that asked .
A quote I will never forget
"My plate may be full but I can make room for you"
What a sad day
Frank Giuliano

Thomas Callahan

October 6, 2024

I had the pleasure of negotiating a contract with Mr. Polett years ago. He was honest, gracious and courteous throughout the transaction. A complete gentleman. I am a graduate of Temple University and Temple Law School. Mr. Polett was a great benefactor to Temple. We will always remember him. May God bless him. Tom Callahan, Esq

Donna Marie Maglione

October 6, 2024

I worked at Wilkie Buick after school as a part time job, then full time when I graduated. Mr. Polett was such a kind man with a wonderful smile. I remember he gave me wise counsel as a young kid. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

Marc Polett

October 5, 2024

He was the most warm and loving father and taught us to work hard and be kind to people as he was. He’ll be remembered not only for his generosity and many accomplishments but also in the hearts of those he loved. I will miss him deeply, but I am so proud that I had him as my father.

Ron Kralle

October 4, 2024

I’m very sorry and my condolences to the Polett family. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mr Polett was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. I did work for him at Wilkie Buick for years and he was always a gentleman and always had a smile on his face. Rest in peace Dan.