Frank and Barbara
Pollack.
By R. Scudder Smith
HIGHLAND PARK, ILL. -- Frank Stephen Pollack, 67, husband of
Barbara Pollack, died of cancer on Friday, January 17. He was a
lawyer and was active in his firm, Pollack, Weis & DuBrock on
La Salle Street in Chicago, until his death. He was also an avid
painter, taking part in many of the art fairs about the country,
and was both a collector and seller of books and antiques. "Frank
loved to read and was an authority on first edition mystery
books," his wife Barbara said. He was also a big fan of blues,
jazz and classical music.
Frank Pollack grew up on the North Side of Chicago where he
attended Stewart Elementary School and Senn High School. His
undergraduate work and law degrees came from the University of
Michigan, where he received a triple degree in law, accounting
and finance.
Frank and Barbara Pollack were childhood sweethearts and Barbara
remembers that "way back then he started taking me to all kinds
of book stores and he let me know early on about his passion for
book collecting." His interest in books led him to write some of
his own, children's books in which he used his own grandchildren.
Because of his modesty, none of the books have been published to
date, "but I am going to see that they are published now,"
Barbara said. During the last year Frank began writing his
autobiography entitled, "I Was Just a Man, Frank Stephen Pollack,
My Life."
In his early thirties he began drawing realistic subjects in
pencil and pastel, and later moved into what he called "The Round
People," bright and cheery paintings in acrylics of "Schmoo-like"
figures. The men were rendered in large checkered ties, the women
with big black sweeps of hair. His collecting interests led him
into American painted toleware and political campaign bandanas
and he formed important collections in both fields.
Frank and Barbara Pollack, American Antiques & Art, became
very well-known in the antiques business. For many years they
took part in shows about the country, including the Greater York
Antiques Show, the Folk Art Show, and the ADA Show. They were
regulars at the Winnetka Antiques Show, and for several years
took part in the Winter Antiques Show in New York City. They were
also major players at many of the auctions, often coming away
with wonderful pieces of folk art, folk paintings and painted
furniture, all of which they became well-known for.
"Grace and I have known Frank and Barbara for 30 years," fellow
antiques dealer Elliott Snyder said, "and he was one of the best
men I have ever known, a real super mensch." (In Yiddish, a
person of the highest human qualities.) Elliott spoke of the
great love that Frank had for both Barbara and his family, and
that he was supportive of every move that Barbara made in the
business.
"He was a great joke teller, a smart businessman and a person who
always had a helping hand for those in and out of the antiques
business," Elliott said. He mentioned that he had talked to Frank
within a couple of weeks of his passing and "Frank never
complained about his condition or even felt sorry for himself, he
had great inner strength and was truly a really good and decent
man."
"Frank was intelligent, caring, sensitive and funny," Arthur
Liverant of Colchester, Conn., said. "He could always make you
feel good, lift your spirits, despite any condition and his
support of Barbara and his family is legendary." Arthur smiled
when he recalled a favorite saying Frank had when he was asked to
do something that he would rather not. "I can't, it's Shemini
Atzeret," he would say, referring to a holiday that was probably
only recognized by members of the Jewish community. Arthur added,
"We always thought of Frank and Barbara as one, and it is hard to
believe that has ended."
Frank is survived by three sons, Mark, Glenn and Robert, a
daughter, Jodi, and three grandchildren. Services took place on
Sunday, January 19, at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El in
Highland Park and burial was in Shalom Memorial Park in Arlington
Heights.
Contributions in Frank's memory can be made to the Richard H.
Knop Research Foundation, c/o Evanston Hospital, 2650 Ridge Road,
Evanston, IL 60201 or the American Cancer Society, 820 Davis
Street, Suite 340, Evanston, IL 60201
Frank and Barbara Pollack set their sights high in the field of
antiques, always seeking a masterpiece in their area of
collecting. Barbara noted that she found one a long time ago,
reflecting on a favorite quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "A friend
may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature." She said, "Frank
was my friend and masterpiece in life, and one I never wanted to
lose."
