Saul Pollack — remembered by many Staples High School graduates as a very successful wrestling and football coach, and popular physical education teacher, and many other residents as the longtime owner of Harry’s Wine & Liquor Store in Fairfield — died last week, at Regional Hospice in Danbury. He was 85 years old.
The Bridgeport native was the only son of Harry and Betty Pollack. He grew up in Fairfield, graduated from Roger Ludlowe High School, and worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Springfield College in 1960, and a master’s from the University of Bridgeport a year later.
Saul was hired to teach in Westport. At the same time, he joined the Army Reserves.
Saul Pollack
As head of the Staples wrestling team, he built a program that won several FCIAC and state championships. He was also an assistant football coach.
While teaching in Westport, Saul met 1st grade teacher Anne Gardner. They married in 1965. The couple moved to Wilton and had 3 children.
In 1978 Saul left teaching and took over the package store his father had opened in 1941. Over the next 33 years he expanded the business enormously.
After retiring in 2011 Saul enjoyed playing golf, vacationing on Cape Cod and Sanibel Island, and visiting with his children and grandchildren.
Saul is survived by his wife Anne; his sons, Scott (Millie) of Fairfield and David (Alex) of Fishers Island, New York; daughter Kira (Douglas) Friedman of New York City, and grandchildren Mia, Anthony, Arlo and Izzy Pollack, and Edie Friedman.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by Kane Funeral Home of Ridgefield. Memorial contributions may be made to Regional Hospice or The Wilton Singers.
Really sorry to read this. RIP Coach…
Great guy. Great colleague. Always a friend, always a pro. RIP
Coach Pollack, first met him as an 8th grader at CJHS, he was one of our physical education teachers that year. The following year he moved up to Staples. He was an excellent teacher, coach. As our line and defensive football coach at Staples he made you work hard, he was always fair and engaging, always helping us to be better. His Staples Wrestling Teams were extraordinary, “The Dirty Dozen” as they became to be known were always ranked tops in the State of Connecticut. He initiated the Staples Christmas Wrestling Tournament which drew the best wrestling teams from the Tri-State every Holiday Season. Thank you Coach Pollack, Thank you!! I send my thoughts, prayers and condolences to the Pollack family.
Saul was not only respected and loved colleague but a dear friend. It was with great sadness that I learned of his death.Sending condolences to Anne and family. Rest in peace Saul. You will be missed.