Obituary Notice – Thomas Martin Pollock, Jr.

SILVER CREEK:  Thomas Martin Pollock, Jr., 85, of Silver Creek, formerly of Downingtown, PA, died Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 at Brooks Memorial Hospital, Dunkirk, following a brief illness.  He is now home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He was born in West Chester, PA on October 2, 1935, the son of the late Thomas Martin Pollock, Sr. and Lois (Henry) Pollock Dickson.  He enjoyed an illustrious academic and athletic career at Downingtown High School in Downingtown, PA and Albright College in Reading, PA.

    Tom began his lifelong occupation of educational ministry following marriage to his high school sweetheart, Betty Jo Hammons on July 13, 1957.  He taught history and coached football at his alma mater, Downingtown Jr/Sr High School, before taking the role of senior pastor of Goodwill Methodist Church.   Drafted into the US Army, Tom served for two years with his responsibilities focused on teaching at his various posts.  In 1962, he spent 10 years working and ministering in Newport and New Hampshire.  During this time, he and his wife were blessed with the birth of four children; Matthew, Timothy, Joanna and Michael.

    Returning to southeast Pennsylvania in 1972, Tom began to teach again in the Downingtown school system.  A few years later, a move to West Chester Christian School as teacher and basketball coach, placed him in leadership areas of this ministry for the next 16 years, including assistant pastor and school administrator.  This was followed by another 16 years serving at Baptist Bible College in Clarks Summit, PA as Director of Student Financial Services helping college students with the daunting task of managing their school bill.  During this time, he served on the board of Summit Christian Academy and was deeply involved volunteering in children’s ministries and coaching basketball.  This also allowed him to invest in the loving development of his grandchildren in these settings.

    Upon retirement in 2010, at the age of 75, and a move to Forestville, NY, Tom did not relinquish his calling and served as a substitute teacher frequently at Forestville Central School, making an indelible mark on the students and teachers alike.  He continued to impact his grandchildren by providing private lessons in US History and Bible doctrines.  He also served as a volunteer assistant minister at Gage Chapel Community Church teaching Bible classes, leading services, and visiting with members over these past 10 years.

     It cannot be ignored that Tom’s decision to follow Jesus Christ at the age of 21, dramatically changed the direction of his life as he dedicated himself to sharing the Gospel of salvation through Christ to everyone he met.  He leaves a legacy of being a “Barnabas” wherever he served and in every personal interaction.  His kindness and encouragement flowed naturally and powerfully endearing him to all his students and colleagues.  His personal attention to his children and individual investment in his grandchildren has been deeply significant to each of them as one can observe in their lives as students, athletes, parents teachers, pastors, coaches, counselors and administrators.

     Survivors include his devoted wife of 63 years, Betty Jo, his children Matthew, Joanna and Michael, his brother Ronald H. Pollock, eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.  Besides his parents he was predeceased by a son Timothy S. Pollock and a brother Dr. David S. Pollock. 

    Private Interment will be in The Oaklands Cemetery, West Chester, PA.  The family suggests memorials may be made to Gage Chapel Community Church, %Connie Piccolo, Treas., 1 Burgess Street, Silver Creek, NY 14136.  Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville.  To post condolences or memories go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.