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STEPHEN POLLAN Obituary
passed away on January 23, at his home in Manhattan surrounded by his loving family: his wife Corky; daughters Lori, Tracy and Dana, son Michael; 11 grandchildren: Sam, Hallie, Isaac, Jack, Macklin, Aquinnah, Schuyler, Savannah, Mica, Esme and Cameron, and the children-in-law he loved as his own: Judith, Michael and Mitchell. Born in 1929 in the Bronx, Stephen had a long and varied career as an attorney, corporate president, college professor, author (of a dozen books, including Die Broke and Life Scripts), radio and TV commentator, financial consultant, life coach and mentor. Stephen was a non-conformist with a keen sense of humor and boundless warmth for family and clients alike. His greatest passion was for "changing people's lives" by "removing fear" and for hundreds of people in this city and beyond that is exactly what he did. A memorial service to celebrate his remarkable life will be held at Plaza Jewish Memorial Chapel, 630 Amsterdam Ave., on Sunday, February 11 at 3pm.
Memories and Condolences
for STEPHEN POLLAN
Sponsored by Gregory Heisler.
26 Entries
Jacqueline M Heintz
October 21, 2024
I loved (& still have) his book "Die Broke.". I was just telling a friend about one of his quotes & decided to google his name. So sorry for your loss. He was inspirational to me. God bless
Andrew Smith
March 26, 2023
A truly remarkable man. His books changed my life and many others. His unique perspective will be missed.
James Leonard
December 20, 2022
Stephen was a wonderful person who saw the best in everyone and I was very sad to hear of his passing. I have not seen him in many years but think of him all the time. He was kind and giving to everyone he met. My condolences to his family and friend.
Ben Bolles
April 24, 2022
One of the greatest amongst men and family ever
Paddy Moore
April 4, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Bill Donnelly
April 3, 2022
About 8 years ago, Stephen invited my wife Juli and I to his office. We had an idea to bring his Life Scripts concept in form of an iPad app.
In the office lobby, he took her hand in his and took my hand in his other and said how happy he was that we were there. It felt like electricity was flowing between us. It really was an amazing feeling. We spent the next hour or two in a wonderful conversation about his philosophy and writing process. He also shared how proud he was of his wife and each of his children as he told us about each one.
Condolences to his loved ones. Godspeed Stephen.
Patrick Moore
February 26, 2021
Biggest heart I ever knew.
glen bolofsky
November 22, 2020
wIsh we had met and had coffee together about "removing fear" and doing the right thing.
linda lavin
October 26, 2020
oh i’m so sorry to read this news.. i carry his book , Die Broke, everywhere with me and have studied and benefitted frim it for over 20 years. mr pollan changed my life!! my condolences to his family. he was a light a force and an inspiration! xx linda lavin
Kris
September 29, 2020
The Business of Living, co-authored by Stephen M Pollan and Mark Levine, is one of my most treasured and used books. The guidelines presented still apply. RIP Mr Pollan and thank you for a job well done.
Michael Young
May 17, 2020
I think of Stephen often. He was about the only bright spot I had hosting a show at CNBC the first two years. I looked forward to his appearances on the show and was fortunate enough to be mentored by him outside of work. A true gentleman.
PJ Bednarski
April 13, 2020
What a great man! I only discovered his passing today, when I donated to the Parkinson's Foundation and thought of him. He helped me at a very tough time in my life, smack dab in the heart of the recession. Experiencing his wit and his counsel were some of the most unexpectedly happy times for me. He seemed magical. God blessed him, and us.
Hilary Crist
June 11, 2019
I found out about this later than I wished...what a gift he was to everyone who crossed his path. Because I booked him on the TODAY show decades ago and worked for him for a time in between jobs, he gave my husband and me a consultation for a wedding gift and it changed our lives. A great man who will be long missed.
Tony Locane
May 10, 2019
I just learned of Steve's passing. I am sorry to hear that the world has lost a voice of compassion and heart. I met Steve many years ago thru a mutual friend and I last spoke to Steve a few years back when that mutual friend passed away. I will never forget Steve's words to me. They lifted my heart during a sad time.
Greg Heisler
February 7, 2019
Stephen, you have my love and profound gratitude, always. You made the life I now have possible in so many ways. My second act is clearly the first; the first, I've come to realize, was simply an invaluable and necessary rehearsal. I've cherished your support and love over many years; I strive to model your wisdom, warmth, and humor for my children and students every day and hope to be as fear-reducing and confidence-building for them as you were (and continue to be) for me. I offer my deepest condolences to your family, and while I'm saddened, I just can't help but smile whenever I think of you.
Nancy Mc Keon
February 14, 2018
I know I'm citing the wrong Testament, but Steve was his own loaves and fishes miracle. No matter how much love and attention he lavished on his family and close friends, he always had time and energy for one more. One more person to help, one more person to walk through fears. He could stop you in your tracks with one of his aphorisms. Like, Oh, the things we do to ourselves that we'd never let others do to us. It's been years since I've seen Steve and Corky, but things both of them said, and just the generosity with which they lived their lives (which I'm sure Corky will continue) still ring honest and true. My condolences to all.
February 3, 2018
A man who changed the direction of my life nearly every time I spent an hour with him. A breathtaking ability to connect and care. -- Louis Venezia
Marlene "Miki" Goodfriend
February 2, 2018
Stephen was a dear, kind, generous and humble man who encouraged and supported so many of his friends in their interests and endeavors. He truly cared and, if you knew him, you felt this. I am so saddened that he is no longer with us but I will always remember that smile, his warmth, his wonderful and funny stories and just how much of a "mensch" he was. I can hear his voice as I write this and hope he knows how much he was loved by so many of us. My deepest sympathies go out to his family, of whom he spoke about with such great pride and love.
J. Max Robins
January 28, 2018
A day doesn't pass that I don't feel gratitude for having you Stephen Pollan as my friend and wise counsel. My loved ones and I have benefited from your wisdom and guidance for more than a quarter of a century Stephen. Michele reminded me this morning about your passionate support of following your education passions and planting seeds that helped lead her to Divinity School today. (She picked up your rabbinical embrace a higher power in the mix long before I realized it.] Through triumphs and defeats, both professional and personal, I could always depend on you SMP to lighten my burden and make the world a place I could traverse, even in dark times, with humor and grace. Your friendship, your laughter, your unabashed embrace of life and your loved ones were gifts you shared openly and honestly. Thanks for removing so much fear, showing the way to my "second act" and beyond. Flooded with emotion and thoughts this Sunday; barn dances at the family farm, "the $90,000 phone call,. jokes about the halvah I never brought you, and that ultimate turkey sandwich at your apartment last spring. Your message was that in this life love is the answer. So much love Rabbi! You live on in the hearts and minds of so many!
Angie Waldron
January 27, 2018
Steve was there when I needed him most(1983). We had a lot of laughs but what sticks out most in my mind is his love for his family. Best to all of you with your wonderful memories of Steve.
Geoffrey Brookman
January 27, 2018
Steve was always a generous and caring friend with a wonderful sense of humor. He helped me a lot and many others too. My condolences to his family and all who knew him.
David Vogler
January 27, 2018
Many fellow MTV Networks folks knew or worked with Stephen over the years. He was a good friend and a savvy lawyer/advisor to me. I will miss him. My condolences to the Pollan family.
Professor Christopher Dodrill
January 26, 2018
Our deepest condolences to the Pollan family, recording the passing of our friend and colleague, Stephen. Long Island University/C.W. Post Campus, Greenvale, NY
Mark Gompertz
January 26, 2018
I'm so sad to hear of Stephen's passing. I enjoyed working with him on a couple of his books, the contrarian advice he gave that removed a lot of fear in my life and helped me develop bi-focal vision, the great meals we shared and those terrific barn dances with the entire Pollan family. May his memory be a blessing
Wade Treadway
January 26, 2018
My condolences to all the Pollan family, I have very fond memories of the work I did with Stephen. I have always held him in high regard. I very much enjoyed reconnecting with Stephen a few years back.
Tom & Gladys Ellett
January 25, 2018
I am saddened to hear of Stephen's passing. He was a great influence on me. We got to know each other through a coaching program. He motivated me, challenged my thinking, and role modeled what a father should be like. My prayers and thoughts are with Corky and the entire family. May he rest in peace while those in his life be comforted by the wonderful memories of the way he made us laugh, smile, and remember to help others.
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