Pollock, Matthew Vincent BRUNSWICK Matthew Vincent Pollock, 69 of Brunswick, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2021, after a months-long illness. Born on February 23, 1952, to Kenneth and Mary (Nailor) Pollock, Matt graduated from Troy High School in Troy and then served in the U.S. Navy. Matt leaves behind many Nailor, Abate, Galarneau and Brisson cousins who will miss him dearly. An exceptional astrophotographer, Matt spent immeasurable hours shooting breath-taking pictures of the night sky. This passion brought into his life some of his very closest friends. Matt was generous with his time, whether it be teaching someone how to use a camera or scanning thousands of pictures for the family archives. Matt was an avid reader and was well-versed in any topic you wanted to discuss. A life-long practitioner of Zen Buddhism, Matt was thoughtful and inquisitive. He loved to read, to listen to the ideas of others, and to have long, engaging conversations. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

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Published by Albany Times Union on Aug. 29, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Pollock

6 Entries

Mark Sherry

August 31, 2021

My sincere condolences to all of Matt's family and friends. Matt was an exceptional person, I knew Matt mostly through photography. He introduced me to night photography around 2010 and then astrophotography a few years later.. Matt's talent, knowledge and passion helped me and countless others capture the milky way and night sky in all its glory. During covid Matt and I had long phone conversations about photography, as well as many other topics. Matt's vast knowledge and calm demeanor was always enlightening. I learned so much during our talks. I also learned an amazing lesson with how Matt faced his cancer battle with so much dignity. A Matt story that always makes me smile - Back around 2010 or 2011 when I first started learning night photography, Matt was doing a class at the Albany concourse one night. I arrived late due to work and realized I didn't stop to get cash so I did not have the $5 fee for the class. Matt said not to worry, next time. Fast forward to the following summer, I was working near Tupper Lake in the Adirondacks and was told about a road north of Long Lake that went into one of the remotest parts of the Adirondacks that you can access by car. On my way home I took a detour and drove about 8 miles down that remote road. I stopped at a beautiful lake and bog to take some pictures. I was literally in the middle of nowhere when suddenly a car pulled up and out jumped Matt! I laughed and said "you´ll follow me to the ends of the earth for $5". We laughed and he introduced me to his close friends Sharon and Ron. They invited me to join them to take pictures of the milky way that night. That was the night Matt introduced me to Astrophotography and I took my first milky way photos, I have been hooked ever since! Thank you my friend for guiding me down a path that I have enjoyed immensely. I and countless others will always think of you when we look at the night sky and Milky Way!

Ian Tornquist

August 31, 2021

I met Matt through a photography group, and we got together a number of times for night sky shooting as well as some light painting photography. He was always a lot of fun to be around with and I enjoyed getting together with him whenever we could. Rest well, my friend.

Sherry Purtell

August 29, 2021

He was a patient in an office I worked in a few years ago. I loved talking to him about his photos. They were truly amazing. I hope you can find peace in knowing he now rests in Gods loving hands.

Ryan Cameron

August 29, 2021

Was just looking at some photos Matt gave to me this am. RIP Matt.

Vickey Abate

August 29, 2021

"Mortal as I am, I know that I am born for a day, but when I follow the serried multitude of the stars in their circular course, my feet no longer touch the earth; I ascend to Zeus himself to feast me on ambrosia, the food of the gods."

- Ptolemy, Astronomer

"Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared."
Buddha

Matt lit many candles by sharing his time and talent, ensuring there were rich family archives in place and offering his knowledge and skill wherever he could. You will be missed, cousin. Wishing you perfect peace and happiness.

Ron and Sharon Otty

August 29, 2021

We were so blessed to have met him many years ago and enjoyed trips together in search of new places to capture photos of nature´s beauty ; waterfalls, autumn´s colorful landscapes and the night time photos to capture photos of the milky way. His extensive knowledge he shared freely and we learned so much but mostly he taught us to enjoy life in every moment. Our friendship turned to family in our hearts. He will be missed but remain in our hearts always.

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