Graveside Service
Cedar Grove Cemetery-
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Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania 15349
1926
John
2018
John Paul Pollak
July 19, 1926 — July 24, 2018
John Paul Pollak died peacefully on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. John was born on Monday, July 19, 1926, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania to Clara (nee Pollak) Layhue and Albert Layhue. The oldest of three children, he was a natural born athlete and world-class fighter who was fiercely protective of his family. At the age of 17, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to serve in World War II He retired after 20 years of service in 1964, serving through the Korean War and into Vietnam. He was a member of the famed 1st Marine Division "China Marines" as well as the 3rd Marine Division.
A highly successful Marine Corps recruiter, John recruited and later married Thelma Ruth Wrick. Their life-long marriage was ended too soon after 32 years with Thelma's death at age 51.
John is survived by six of their seven children: John Pollak Jr., Mark Pollak, Alan Pollak, Karen Pollak, Daryl Pollak, Cheryl Pollak; his brother, Edward Pollak; and beloved rescue cat, Lucky. He has 20 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
In 1988, John met June Ryberg and began a whirlwind romance that lasted 29 years of marriage until June's passing in 2017. He is survived by June's children whom he loved as his own: Carl Ryberg, Donald Ryberg, Linda Groen and Jeff Ryberg. John's military legacy continues through his children and his grandchildren: Mark Pollak (US Army), Alan Pollak (US Air Force, retired), Daryl Pollak (USMC), Patrick Pollak (USMC), Daniel Pollak (US Navy), and Haap Peacock (US Army).
John found it difficult to stay in one place, moving often but always coming back to Texas.
An intimidating physical presence, his mischievous smile and witty sense of humor gave away the gentleman underneath. He will be remembered for his integrity, unconditional love of his family, devotion to his animals, bowling prowess, and being an unbeatable arm wrestler.
Services and interment were held on Sunday, July 29, 2018, 11 AM at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Mount Morris, PA, with full military honors conducted by the USMC Honor Guard, North Versailles, PA.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Paul Pollak, please visit our flower store.
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