Frank Polletta, 85, peacefully entered eternal life at 6:10 p.m. on Wednesday, February 27, 2013, in Miller’s Merry Manor Plymouth.
He was born at home in Steger, Illinois, on March 17, 1927, the son of Frank and Asunta (Stella) Polletta.
He graduated from Bloom High School in Chicago Heights, Ill., and enlisted in the United States Navy, serving during WWII and was honorably discharged on August 2, 1946.
He married his childhood sweetheart, Mildred E. Laudanskis on June 26, 1948 in Saint Cashmere Church, Chicago Heights, Ill. They lived in Park Forest, Ill. for 23 years, Dyer, Ind. for 15 years and finally retiring to Plymouth in 1994.
Frank was a salesman for Continental Bread Co. based in Madison, Ill. for 33 years, retiring in 1989.
An active man, he was an auxiliary police sergeant on the Park Forest, Ill. Police Dept. for six years.
A member of St. Michael Roman Catholic Church in Plymouth, he was a member of the American Legion Post 27 in Plymouth and worked with the Marshall County Boys and Girls Club for ten years.
Frank loved the game of pool and was good at it. When he retired he taught pool along with his friends to the children in the Club and won awards when playing against other clubs. He was a dedicated hunter and fisherman.
Frank is survived by his devoted wife, Millie and by their daughter; Barbara (Greg) Fox, Apopka, FL and their daughters, (granddaughters) Tanya Jo (Joel) Rueger, Mt. Dora, FL and Erica (Steve) Novak, Apopka, FL.
A daughter-in-law, Barbara Polletta of Hobart, IN, preceded in death by Frank and Millie’s son, Darrell on October 31, 2011. Darrell’s children are; Rebecca (Scott) Scheeringa, Crown Point, IN, Kimberly (Nick) Lacy, Cedar Lake, IN and Brittany Polletta, Crown Point, IN.
Six great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter survive as well. They are: Danny Cadena, Derek Rueger, Steven Novak, Travis Novak, Josh Lacy, Justin Lacy, and Alexa Polletta.
A step-grandson; Robert (Kelly) Meyer, Beloit, WI and step-granddaughter; Michelle (Michael) Connolly, of Chicago, IL survive along with two step-great-grandsons and three step-great-granddaughters. They are; Jonathan Meyer, Neal Connolly, Gina Meyer, Mary Meyer, and Paige McDonough. A sister-in-law; Alice Hite survives along with many caring nieces and nephews.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Darrell, brothers; Joseph, Ralph, Tony, and Hank Polletta, sisters-in-law; Juanita, Betty and Seta Polletta, a brother-in-law; Dale Hite, two nephews; David and Joe “Butch” Poletta and a niece, Joanne Kemek.
Visitation will be at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 North Michigan St., Plymouth, from 3 to 8 p.m. (EDT) on Friday, March 1, 2013. A Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. in St. Michael Catholic Church, 613 N. Center St., Plymouth, with Father William Kummer officiating.
Burial will follow in New Oakhill Cemetery, with Military Honors provided by members of the Plymouth American Legion Post 27, Veterans of Foreign Wars – Marshall County Post 1162 and the D.A.V.
Preferred are memorial gifts to St. Michael Church, 612 N. Walnut St., Plymouth, IN 46563 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Billie Treber says
How our heart breaks for the family of Frank Polletta. He was a wonderful and caring man. The staff of the Club recall the days when Chop and Frank would volunteer and help the kids with pool. He was always kind, patient and gracious. He had a never ending smile. We will truly miss this wonderful person.
All of love,
Boys & Girls Club of Marshall County
Valentino Capretti says
In loving memory of a wonderful friend. We will love you and miss you always. God Bless you, and God bless your family in this time of need.
Dolores Capretti says
In loving memory of a wonderful friend. We will love you and miss you always. Remember now that you have a special Guardian Angel watching over you and your family for always and forever. God Bless you, and God bless your family in this time of need.
Robert and Bette Polletta says
We are so sorry for your loss. We all know these things will happen one day, but one is never ready. The Polletta brothers were all special and were loving and caring people who passed it on to the next generation. They have left a legacy to the future Pollettas and we are all blessed by them. You are in our prayers.
Vickie Markuson-Dietl says
In warmer weather, Frank would often be sitting on our porch when we arrived home from work or from somewhere else. He would tell us he had been keeping our cat company. We are the only people that the little feral beast will let get near. Somehow Frank managed to make friends and actually pet her. That\’s kinda how Frank will be remembered by us. Never in a hurrry and always willing to take the time to get to know people (and pets) and ALWAYS a smile on his face. We will miss him so very much. The first batch of bluegill this year will be fried up in Frankie\’s memory. We send our love to his family and especially Millie during this most difficult time. Much love, Vickie and Ken Dietl
Robin Mevis says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Frank will be missed by all and we will miss his great smile and wit.
Diane Pickens says
I have so very many fond memories of Finny….I wouldn\’t even know where to start! This is a man I have known \”all\” of my life, friends of the family before I was even born. A loving, caring and all and all great man! You will truly be missed and loved by all! Special love and Sympathy to the entire family…especially Millie and Barb. <3
Lots of love, Diane Pickens and Pete Vidimos
Lori Wood says
My heartfelt condolences for your loss. Many years ago I was in charge of selling my mother\’s home. She had strict orders not to answer the door to people inquiring about the sale. One day a man knocked on her door, and of course she said \”Come on in!\” – just as she was instructed NOT to do! Well the man knocking on her door that day was Frank Polletta and his knock was a blessing to me, my mother and my sister & brother-in-law who live next door. Frank purchased the home and we couldn\’t have hoped for a better neighbor and friend to my sister. My mom passed several years ago, and I have no doubt she greeted Frank up in Heaven with a \”Come on in!\” when she saw him at the door! God Bless and may you find peace during this difficult time.
Kathy Corey says
Mrs. Polletta,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It was a pleasure to take care of Frank.
Sincerely,
The CCU Staff SJMC, Plymouth
Candy and Justin McLaughlin says
So sorry I couldn\’t make it. I think of you all so often. My dear beloved godfather, may he be at peace and rest right now.
I will miss sending his birthday card every year, but will always wish him a \”Happy One\” on that day.
My thoughts and prayers are with you now and always,
Love Candy and Justin
Robin Polletta says
Aunt Millie-
Elizabeth, Michelle , Sarah and I send our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Uncle Frank. He was an incredible man and I know he will be dearly missed. David loved his uncles (and aunts) so much. It is a comfort to all of us to think fo the feast and gabfest that is going on in Heaven right now. I think God will need earplugs!
Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.
Billie Treber says
How our heart breaks for the family of Frank Polletta. He was a wonderful and caring man. The staff of the Club recall the days when Chop and Frank would volunteer and help the kids with pool. He was always kind, patient and gracious. He had a never ending smile. We will truly miss this wonderful person.
All of love,
Boys & Girls Club of Marshall County
Valentino Capretti says
In loving memory of a wonderful friend. We will love you and miss you always. God Bless you, and God bless your family in this time of need.
Dolores Capretti says
In loving memory of a wonderful friend. We will love you and miss you always. Remember now that you have a special Guardian Angel watching over you and your family for always and forever. God Bless you, and God bless your family in this time of need.
Robert and Bette Polletta says
We are so sorry for your loss. We all know these things will happen one day, but one is never ready. The Polletta brothers were all special and were loving and caring people who passed it on to the next generation. They have left a legacy to the future Pollettas and we are all blessed by them. You are in our prayers.
Vickie Markuson-Dietl says
In warmer weather, Frank would often be sitting on our porch when we arrived home from work or from somewhere else. He would tell us he had been keeping our cat company. We are the only people that the little feral beast will let get near. Somehow Frank managed to make friends and actually pet her. That\’s kinda how Frank will be remembered by us. Never in a hurrry and always willing to take the time to get to know people (and pets) and ALWAYS a smile on his face. We will miss him so very much. The first batch of bluegill this year will be fried up in Frankie\’s memory. We send our love to his family and especially Millie during this most difficult time. Much love, Vickie and Ken Dietl
Robin Mevis says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Frank will be missed by all and we will miss his great smile and wit.
Diane Pickens says
I have so very many fond memories of Finny….I wouldn\’t even know where to start! This is a man I have known \”all\” of my life, friends of the family before I was even born. A loving, caring and all and all great man! You will truly be missed and loved by all! Special love and Sympathy to the entire family…especially Millie and Barb. <3
Lots of love, Diane Pickens and Pete Vidimos
Lori Wood says
My heartfelt condolences for your loss. Many years ago I was in charge of selling my mother\’s home. She had strict orders not to answer the door to people inquiring about the sale. One day a man knocked on her door, and of course she said \”Come on in!\” – just as she was instructed NOT to do! Well the man knocking on her door that day was Frank Polletta and his knock was a blessing to me, my mother and my sister & brother-in-law who live next door. Frank purchased the home and we couldn\’t have hoped for a better neighbor and friend to my sister. My mom passed several years ago, and I have no doubt she greeted Frank up in Heaven with a \”Come on in!\” when she saw him at the door! God Bless and may you find peace during this difficult time.
Kathy Corey says
Mrs. Polletta,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It was a pleasure to take care of Frank.
Sincerely,
The CCU Staff SJMC, Plymouth
Candy and Justin McLaughlin says
So sorry I couldn\’t make it. I think of you all so often. My dear beloved godfather, may he be at peace and rest right now.
I will miss sending his birthday card every year, but will always wish him a \”Happy One\” on that day.
My thoughts and prayers are with you now and always,
Love Candy and Justin
Robin Polletta says
Aunt Millie-
Elizabeth, Michelle , Sarah and I send our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Uncle Frank. He was an incredible man and I know he will be dearly missed. David loved his uncles (and aunts) so much. It is a comfort to all of us to think fo the feast and gabfest that is going on in Heaven right now. I think God will need earplugs!
Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.