Obituary of Steven Pollock

Services will be held in Santa Cruz on Saturday, October 19, 2013 for Steve Pollock. Steve passed away peacefully at his Santa Cruz home on October 10, 2013, following complications he suffered from metastatic melanoma. A native of Ventura, CA, Steve celebrated his 50th birthday on September 1st. He graduated from Harbor High School in 1981 and attended San Jose State University, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in English. For 24 years, Steve taught high school English in the San Jose area. He will be remembered as a dedicated teacher who leaves many dear friends, colleagues and students. Steve always went the extra mile for his students. He took great pride in helping them with their college applications and personally customizing each letter of recommendation. Steve was a natural athlete and loved the outdoors. He was an avid golfer and trout fisherman. He was passionate about Sunday golf games, trout fishing in the mountains, and snow skiing in the Sierras. These were lifelong endeavors and Steve was as enthusiastic at fifty as he was at five about each golf shot, fish caught, and Black Diamond run. Steve also enjoyed playing tennis with his family, and he and his wife Liz shared many great games over the years. Steve was a familiar face at the Pajaro Valley Golf Course, and will be missed by all of his golfing buddies (especially his Uncle Ron Stortz and mother Shirley Pollock), and fellow lodge members of the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, where he was a long time member. Steve loved music and taught himself to play the guitar. He also collected records and enjoyed listening and playing music for his friends and family. Last Fall Steve and his life-long best friend Steve Bonnel got the chance to see Bruce Springsteen live in San Jose. The two Steves always had the best time together and the Springsteen concert was no exception. Steve was an avid reader and was well versed on almost any subject someone wanted to talk about. His endless knowledge of sports facts, such as who won the World Series in 1973, including who pitched what inning, and who scored the winning run, was nothing short of amazing. He regularly shared little known facts about a variety of subjects, and was never at a loss for words. Steve is survived by his wife of 23 years, Liz Pollock, whom he met while working at Adolph's Italian Restaurant in Santa Cruz, his daughter Gracie Pollock and his son, Sammy Pollock, all of Santa Cruz. Steve is also survived by his mother Shirley Pollock of Santa Cruz, two sisters, Anne Miller of San Diego, Mary Pollock of Santa Cruz, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Steve enjoyed visiting Yellowstone National Park with his brother-in-law Tom Christopher and his family of NYC, where they all caught a lot of fish (naturally). He was preceded in death by his beloved father, David Pollock in 2006, also an avid golfer, tennis player, skier and fellow Elk's Lodge Member. Steve was the sweetest son, brother, uncle, husband, father and friend. All who knew him will miss his enthusiasm for life, his unwavering dedication to his family, friends and students, and the goodness and pureness of his heart. His children will miss his sense of humor and unconditional love. A mass will be held for Steve at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 126 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2013. Friends and family are invited and encouraged to gather at the DeLaveaga Lodge Restaurant, 401 Upper Park Rd., Santa Cruz, beginning at 2:30p.m. to celebrate Steve's life and accomplishments in his short time with us. To light a candle on line, and share your thoughts with his family, please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com.