Sterling J. Pollaro

Sterling J. Pollaro, 58 of Gerry, NY passed away peacefully at home on October 15, 2025. He was born May 26, 1967 in Jamestown to the late Anthony "Oats" Pollaro and Alberta Belote Pollaro. Sterling was "Bigger than life" in so many ways. He had a big heart filled with kindness, love and compassion, a big personality, and a big sense of humor. Everything he did, he did with passion. He loved many things and he had an unwavering, tremendous faith in God. He loved his family, his country, nature, the ocean, and Elvis Presley. Sterling had many hobbies including collecting antiques, metal detecting, fishing, motorcycle riding, and traveling to Myrtle Beach or Graceland any chance he had. As a teenager Sterling worked on a farm for several years. In his early 20's he entered a contest at the Gaslight Motor Inn and that is where his, "Tribute to Elvis" began. His love for Elvis began as a child and led to him competing in Elvis competitions across the US and Canada and winning awards for # 1 in the country and # 2 in the world. Throughout the years, he continued to perform, "A Tribute to Elvis" to sold out theaters. Sterling also worked as a car salesman, a line supervisor for National Grid and property management supervisor for Lakeshore Property and most recently managed the VSK Emporium and Flea Market in Frewsburg. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Tony Pollaro, a sister Roxanne Goodwill, and a sister in law Leandra Pollaro. He is survived by his wife Lori whom he married on the beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica on June 8, 2004. Lori was the love of his life and they shared 21 years of love, laughter, respect, and a beautiful friendship. Also, he survived by his five children: Nicole Bourgault, Ryan Prinzi (Ashley), Dustin Pollaro (Lexi), Shelly Davis, and Anthony Pollaro. He was an amazing Papa and adored his grandchildren: Essence, Lexi, Maddie, Charlotte, Presley, Sterling, Cayden, Colt, and Saydi. His siblings Rory Pollaro, Ben Pollaro and Faline (Tim) Speas, many nieces, nephews and cousins, his father in law and friend James Schnars, and his loyal dog Trucker. Sterling also had many, many friends and will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to have him in their lives. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Falconer Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home. Memorials may be donated to the Empire Animal Rescue Society (EARS) Salamanca, NY, or the Chautauqua Co. Humane Society.