| Date of Birth | January 23, 1968 |
| Passed Away | June 16, 2025 |
| Service Date | August 2, 2025 |
| Service Time | 12:00 PM |
| Service Location | Arkport American Legion |
Joseph Paul Pollinger
Joseph “Joe” Pollinger, 57, formerly of Grand Street, passed away peacefully on Monday (June 16, 2025) at his home in Arkport, N.Y. after a battle with a long illness.
Born in Hornell on January 23, 1968, he was the son of Richard and Jean (Mary Jean Quartz) Pollinger. He was predeceased by his mother, Jean; father, Richard; and brother, John Pollinger.
A lifelong resident of Hornell and Arkport, Joe was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1986. He was previously employed by St. James Hospital and Elderwood of Hornell for 24 years in the maintenance department before he began his 17-year career with Arkport Central School, retiring as Director of Facilities. Joe was one of 28 Directors of Facilities in N.Y. (out of over 800) to achieve the New York State School Facility Association’s (NYSSFA) Certified Director of Facilities (CDF) accreditation, which requires years of effort and experience. Joe served as the State Director, President, and Vice President of the NYSSFA Southern Finger Lakes chapter. He also served on several NYSSFA committees and attended numerous state academies, demonstrating his dedication to his profession.
Joe lived a fulfilling life. He was known for his kindness, sense of humor, and his contagious smile that lit up a room. Joe was a devoted family man and was an incredible husband, father, and grandfather. He deeply loved his family and enjoyed going on vacations with them, including memorable trips to Maine, Keuka Lake, Arizona, Florida, and many other places. Joe enjoyed spending time with his family at their campsite at Sun Valley Campground. He and his brothers fondly remember their cross-country road trip from California to New York in their younger years. Joe was also an avid Buffalo Bills fan and enjoyed attending games with his son, Alex.
Joe had an impressive breadth of knowledge on a variety of topics, making him an invaluable asset to trivia teams. He was highly skilled in working with his hands and could fix just about anything. Joe loved his many pets over the years, including many cats and dogs. He also was a talented gardener and enjoyed cultivating and sharing his home-grown vegetables. Joe was a beloved member of the Arkport community.
His family includes his wife, Kelli (Alexander) Pollinger; son, Alex (Morgan) Pollinger; granddaughter, Maya Pollinger; four siblings, sister, Jennifer (Steve) Dumont of Groton, Mass., Brigid Shipman of Ithaca, N.Y., Richard Jr. “Heinz” (Wendy) Pollinger of Hornell, and Pete (Julie) Pollinger of Satellite Beach, Fla.; nephews, Michael Shipman, Neil Shipman, Alex Dumont, Sam and Ben Pollinger; niece, Nichole (Nathan) Soucy; many cousins, including the Quinlans, Secondos, and Tobins; and many great-nephews and great-nieces.
A celebration of life will occur on August 2nd at 12pm at the Arkport American Legion. At Joe’s request, please share your favorite “Joey-isms” at the celebration of life.
Those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Hornell Area Humane Society (https://www.hornellanimalshelter.org), CareFirstNY (https://carefirstny.org/donate) or the National Pancreas Foundation (https://pancreasfoundation.org).
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Joe’s family with the arrangements.
Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home / Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home
I am so sorry for your loss Kelli and Alex. Joe was such a wonderful guy. My heart breaks for you.
As his hairdresser for at least 15 years, Joe and Kelli have grown to be friends. He was always so jovial and we shared many fun conversations over the years. I am very sad to know he is gone and I will miss him sitting in my chair and his great smile. May his family find peace in the coming days. Many prayers said for all of you.
What a huge loss! There are so many fun memories with Joe and Kelli I wouldn’t even know where to begin. This truly breaks our hearts. Our prayers and sympathy goes out to Kelli and Alex at this difficult time.
Linda and Ron Yates
I had the pleasure of working with Joe for years at the nursing home. He was always that person with the contagious smile and the hello how are today. Even thought we haven’t worked together in years he would remember my face and smile and say hello every time I would see him. He truly was an amazing soul. May you rest in peace now Joe.
Joe and I were in the nursery together at St James. Born on the same day.
Kelli,and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Greenie and I celebrated your wedding day with you . I hope your many years of memories carry you throw this difficult time.May Joe rest easy now.
Randall Dodge, me and Joe worked together for quite a few years at Mercycare and then Elderwood Joe was good guy and a good worker we always got along real good with each other, my deepest condolences and thoughts go to his family at this time.