Fred Polesky Sr.
Fred Polesky Sr., 92, died peacefully at the Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford, PA on Sunday, April 21st, 2024. He was born on January 25, 1932, in the coal mining community of Bentleyville, PA, where he grew up on a small family farm with Polish immigrant parents and graduated from Bentworth High School. He continued his education at what was then Shippensburg State Teachers College, and later earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh. His teaching career began in 1955 in Coraopolis, PA, where he soon transitioned to working in Special Education within the Allegheny County Intermediate Unit. His remarkable 35-year tenure impacted the lives of so many special needs children and their families, in part thanks to his tall stature and commanding presence.
Fred also had a dual career as a small business owner. In 1957, he established the Polesky Insurance Agency out of his home in Moon Township, proudly representing Erie Insurance. His sales ability, starting from childhood experiences hawking his mother’s farm products to neighbors, allowed the insurance agency to grow rapidly. With the assistance of his wife and agent, Lucille Polesky, the agency moved from the basement office space to become The Polesky Agency, Inc., employing many over the years. Later, his son, F. Paul Polesky Jr., became a partner and now the agency owner.
Fred’s competitive spirit extended beyond insurance. His love for negotiating, buying, selling, and making deals served him well throughout his life. His gregarious, boisterous, booming voice, and “larger than life” personality, combined with a genuine concern for people he met, made him a natural teacher, counselor, and advisor. Whether sharing engaging stories or participating in teacher buddy activities, Fred also used his sales talents to promote educational organizations and contribute to local fundraising efforts associated with both his employer and his children’s schools. Fred took special attention and pride in the education milestones of his children and grandchildren. Over the years, he sponsored many exchange students to live in his home.
Fred’s lifelong passion for fishing led to friendships with a diverse group of individuals. From customers to coal miners to surgeons, anyone who shared an interest in fishing would be convinced to follow his leadership on elaborately planned fishing excursions. These adventures took them to various destinations, from local lakes to Atlantic coast marinas, Great Lakes charters, remote Canadian lodges, and wilderness Alaskan fishing locals.
Fred was a devout Roman Catholic and a member of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish (St. Margaret Mary) in Moon Township. Of course, as a former defensive lineman in high school football and a local Yinzer, he was a devoted and enthusiastic fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Together with his wife, Lucille, and fellow traveling friends, Fred enjoyed the personally enriching experience of world travel. His outgoing and adventurous spirit was generously shared with whoever would listen to his travel tales – and he would tell of having visited some 37 countries around the world.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander & Josephine (Makowski) and Przestrzelski, as well as his sisters Jean Forlenza and Helen Russell, and his brother Theodore Polesky.
Fred is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lucille C (Kruppa) Polesky, and his four children: Karen Polesky (Moon Twp., Pa.), Fred Paul Polesky Jr. (Hopewell Twp, Pa.). Christina Polesky (Southport, Ct.), Alexa (Frederick Zerilli) vanBatenburg (Fairfield, Ct.). Grandchildren include Eric Polesky (Hopewell Twp, Pa.), Dr. Gabriella Polesky, DMD (Philadelphia, Pa.), Robert vanBatenburg (New York, Ny.), and Anastasia vanBatenburg (Los Angeles, Ca.).
The Polesky Family would like to thank the many caregivers who assisted with Fred’s care over the last few years and the compassionate nursing staff of the Good Samaritan Hospice House. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Fred’s memory to Catholic Charities Diocese of Pittsburgh or to Special Olympics Pennsylvania.
Friends will be received on Friday April 26 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Moon Twp (1522 Coraopolis Hts. Rd)_where a closing prayer will be said on Saturday at 9:30 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 AM in at the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus parish (St Margaret Mary Church) Moon Twp. Committal will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Moon Twp. and Reception to follow.