Thomas R. Pollicita

Thomas R. Pollicita

1927 - 2014

Thomas Richard Pollicita was born in San Francisco on September 18, 1927 to William and Lorena Pollicita. Tom attended schools in San Francisco and graduated from Galileo High School in 1946. He joined the United States Navy in 1947 and was honorably discharged in December of 1949. He then attended San Francisco City College where he received an AA degree. He received his Bachelor's degree from College of the Pacific and his Master's degree from San Francisco State University. Tom's first teaching assignment was at Galt High School in Galt California, where he taught for four years. He married Angelina Micheletti of San Francisco in 1955 and thereafter returned to the Bay Area. Tom then began what would turn out to be a 30 year love affair with Colma Intermediate School. He began teaching there in 1956 as the 7th and 8th grade PE coach and Social Studies teacher. In 1966 he became a Counselor and also served as Dean of Students until 1975, when he was promoted to Principal. He remained as Principal until he retired in 1985. During those years, he served on many education committees and was instrumental in updating the school's curriculum. Upon his retirement Tom received the ultimate honor when Colma Intermediate School was renamed the Thomas R. Pollicita Middle School. Tom and Angelina were married for forty years, until her death in April of 1995. In March of 2007 Tom married Nettie Descalso Del Nero. They resided in Merced but made many trips to San Francisco to visit family and friends. Tom served as Chairman of the Supervisory Committee for Provident Credit Union and was also active in the Italian Catholic Federation and the Italo-American Lodge in Merced. Tom is survived by his loving wife Nettie, her four children Judi Ferguson (David), Michael Descalso, George Descalso (MaryLou) and Gina Renner (Jason), Nettie's 12 grandchildren who lovingly called Tom, "Papa Tom". He is also survived by Al and Madeleine Banfield, their children Gigi Banfield Jackson (Brian) and Michael Banfield (Krystle) and their 3 grandchildren. Tom will also remain in the hearts of many nieces, nephews and other family and friends in the Bay Area. Tom will be remembered as a loving, caring "gentleman". His love for people was apparent in his work as an educator. Tom loved his family and friends and will always be remembered as a kind, patient man, finding the good in life and the positive in people. "Tom, we will always love you"

Friends may visit at Garden Chapel, 885 El Camino Real, So.SF on Wed. Nov. 19th between 3-8pm where a Vigil Service will be offered by dear friends Cecilia Nichols and Adrienne Lopes at 7pm. Mass of Resurrection will be said at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 107 San Pedro Rd., Colma, Thurs, Nov. 20th 10am. Burial Skylawn Memorial Park, San Mateo. Contributions may be made in memory of Thomas R. Pollicita to Gifts of Love or Cooley's Anemia of the Italian Catholic Federation, 8393 Capwell Dr., Ste. 110, Oakland, CA 94621 or Hinds Hospice, 410 West Main St., Ste. A, Merced, CA 95340. Condolences may also be made at www.gardenchapel885.com