Richard H. Pollinger, Sr.

Richard H. Pollinger, Sr.
HORNELL – Richard H. Pollinger, Sr., 85, formerly of Grand Street, passed away early Sunday morning (March 8, 2020) at Elderwood at Hornell where he resided for the past few years.
Born in Hornell on May 2, 1934, he was the son of the late Gustave and Margaret (Hebenstreit) Pollinger. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years, Jean (Mary Jean Quartz); son John Pollinger; sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn (Pollinger) and Ron Quinlan; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jerry and Bridget Quartz; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John “Jack” and Mary Lou Tobin.
A lifelong resident of Hornell, Rich was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1953 and proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy and the U. S. Marine Corps.
He was employed by Sterns & Sterns Textiles in Hornell before he began his 30-year career with Sears Roebuck & Co. in Hornell, retiring as a Division Manager. After his retirement, Rich was employed part time by Alstom.
Rich was a dedicated, loving husband and father. Family vacations at Myrtle Beach, the Finger Lakes and picnics at Letchworth and Stony Brook State Parks often included fishing, volleyball and softball games with all the kids.
He was an avid outdoorsman playing golf, watching wildlife and fishing in the local streams and lakes, while relishing a great cigar. Rich’s daily routine included feeding peanuts to the blue jays and squirrels. He also enjoyed bowling and was an avid hunter with his friends. Rich took pride in his garden and the annual family tradition of making sauerkraut.
Rich was a communicant of the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church and most recently at St. Mary’s Church in Canaseraga and St. Ann’s Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Hornell. He was also a member of the Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post No. 440 in Hornell and enjoyed attending breakfast with Chauncey Watches and the “Old Salts” at J.C.’s Café in Hornell.
His family includes children, Jennifer (Steve) Dumont of Groton, MA, Brigid Shipman of Ithaca, Richard Jr. “Heinz” (Wendy) Pollinger of Hornell, Pete (Julie) Pollinger of Satellite Beach, FL., and Joseph (Kelli) Pollinger of Arkport; his seven grandchildren, Nichole (Nathan) Soucy, Michael Shipman, Neil Shipman, Alex Pollinger, Alex Dumont, Sam and Ben Pollinger; his seven great-grandchildren, Owen and Teddy Shipman, Dominic, Jackson and Julianna Soucy and twins, Espen Jean and Ella Ann Shipman; his sister, Margaret (Jerry) Secondo of Hornell; and many nieces and nephews, including the Secondo, Quinlan and Tobin families. His family also included his treasured cats and beagles.
The Pollinger family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Elderwood at Hornell for their loving care of Richard and Jean.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of Richard H. Pollinger, Sr.
Calling hours are 5-7 p.m. Tuesday (March 10, 2020) at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell. Friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday (March 11, 2020). Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will be at the Bath National Cemetery.
The United States flag and the Navy flag will proudly fly at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in recognition of Rich’s military service.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, N.Y. 214843 (https://www.hornellanimalshelter.org/donate.html) or Veteran’s support group Pets for Vets, Inc., P.O. Box 10860, Wilmington, NC 28404 (https://petsforvets.com/donate). Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.
Online condolences or remembrances of Rich are welcome on the Facebook page of Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. or at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.