Dr. Michael Joseph Pollak

1943 - 2022

Pollak, Dr. Michael Joseph

March 22, 1943 - March 9, 2022

Dr. Michael Joseph Pollak, of Winston-Salem, peacefully passed away on March 9, 2022, surrounded by his adoring family.

Michael was born on March 22, 1943, to the late Ludwig and Ilona Pollak in New York, New York. Growing up as a son to Jewish immigrants from Austria who narrowly escaped the Holocaust, Michael learned never to take anything for granted. His good memories from his childhood include attending Brooklyn Dodgers games with his father, enjoying his mother's delicious European cooking, and passing Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel in his high school hallways.

Michael graduated from Forest Hills High School, Queens, New York City; Adelphi University, Long Island, New York; and the Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia. He completed his internship at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Ohio, and his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut.

In 1969, Michael became a lieutenant in the United States Navy. He served in Chu Lai, Vietnam, and Quonset Point, Rhode Island.

Michael was in private practice in obstetrics and gynecology in Winston-Salem from 1974 until his retirement in 2002. He will be remembered by his many patients not only as the man who delivered their children but also as someone who took the time to truly listen. He was recently described as "someone who didn't treat patients as a number in a line, but as a friend."

After Michael closed his practice, he continued to work as a locum tenens physician and took medical missionary trips. He volunteered at the Winston-Salem Community Care Free Clinic. He served as a board member at his beloved YMCA and volunteered for organizations including Meals on Wheels and the Forsyth Humane Society.

In 2005, Michael joined the John Jordan Men's Group, founded and hosted by First Baptist Church. The group met for lunch, learning, and fellowship. After John Jordan's passing 12 years ago, Michael was asked to lead the group. He brought immense energy to broadening membership and extending programs that honored diversity. To honor his contributions, the name of the group was changed to Jordan/Pollak Men's Group in 2021.

Michael's passions included golf, exercise, music, dogs, outdoors, traveling, and his grandchildren. His "girls" meant the world to Michael, as he did to them. His home away from home was the YMCA, where he loved working out and meeting up with his buddies daily. Michael will be remembered for his inclusive spirit, his love of exercise, and, perhaps most of all, his sharp New York sense of humor.

In addition to his parents, Michael is preceded in death by his sister, Gilda Brovender. He is survived by his loving daughters, Lesley Pollak May and Becky Voorhees (Coerte); grandchildren, Nina May, Lila May, Garrett Voorhees, and Gavin Voorhees; brother-in-law, Frank Brovender; niece, Ilene Vaughn (Chris) and their children, Sophia and Dylan; nephew, Benjamin Brovender (Blair) and their son Greer; former wife (dear friend), Gay Macon and her supportive husband Tom; and special friends, Kent Hayes, Michael Crane, and Gwen Walters.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Arbor Acres for their comfort and support of Michael, including Amber, Pat "Ski," Savannah, Susan, Jennifer, Stephanie, Joshua, Chelsea, Lacey, Trenice, Adrianna, Tiffany, Shonnetta, Tim, Ke-Ke, Patrick, Sarah, and Camilla. The family would also like to thank Trellis Supportive Care and nurse Amy for their guidance and compassion.

A gathering celebrating Michael's life will be held at The Barn at Reynolda Village on Monday, March 14 from 3-5 pm with remarks at 4.

Memorial donations may be made to Trellis Supportive Care (101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103), the Forsyth Humane Society (4881 Country Club Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27104), or The Lewy Body Dementia Association. Online condolences may be made at www.salemfh.com/.

Salem Funeral & Cremation Service

2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106