Funeral Details

Mark Alexander Pollock

February 26, 1954 - May 4, 2024

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 3:30 PM

Memorial Service

Chicago Jewish Funerals
Skokie Chapel
8851 Skokie Boulevard
Skokie, Illinois 60077
Get Directions

Clergy

Rabbi Barry Schechter
Congregation Kol Emeth

Interment - Private

Shiva

Chicago Jewish Funerals Skokie Chapel
8851 Skokie Boulevard
Skokie, Illinois 60077
Get Directions
Immediately following the memorial service until 6:30pm

Memorial Contributions

Breakthrough Urban Ministries
402 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60624
www.breakthrough.org/donate-to-breakthrough/




OBITUARY

Professor Mark Pollock, who taught political rhetoric and communication at Loyola University-Chicago for 25 years, died suddenly on May 4, 2024, at Evanston Hospital of complications following surgery. Devoted husband to Kristin Davis. Beloved father of Alexandra and Benjamin Pollock. Dear brother of Edith Pollock (Douglas) Kerr and uncle to Ann Black and Sean Aaron. Proud, honorary member of the Zurakov-Peres family. His research reflected his interest in history, ethics, and politics, and his teaching an unwavering commitment to the liberal ideal of reason through dialogue. He loved to read, listen to music, and watch the Chicago White Sox. In addition to his family, he will be mourned by hundreds of friends, colleagues, and students. Funeral service Wednesday, May 8, at 3:30 p.m. at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd. (at Niles Center Road), Skokie. Friends and family will gather at the funeral home immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Breakthrough Urban Ministries, 402 N. St. Louis, Ave., Chicago, IL 60624 www.breakthrough.org/donate-to-breakthrough/ Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com


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So sorry to see Mark go. My fondest memories of him include co-coaching Ben and Aidan's coach pitch team at Warren Park in the late 2000s. He had to swallow hard when I picked the Phillies for the team name - but was ultimately ok with it because they were in the National League. Godspeed Mark!

Greg Olson
May 6, 2024
What a loss to all of us. I first met Mark in Philly, when he was teaching at Temple and dating my dear friend from college, Kristin. I recall hanging out in his apartment watching the Iraquí war unfold live on CNN and talking about Philly (Mark with all the disparagement of a Chicago native) books, ethics and politics: getting to know the man who would ultimately marry Kristin ( he could not wait to relocate with her to his beloved Chicago)! Over the years, through their wedding, children and occasional visits, there was no diminisment of his intellect or love for his family. His commitment to Kristin was steadfast and true, their grief will be acute and my heart goes out to them.

Gina Simonson
May 7, 2024
Mark was extremely well-read and very witty. He had a powerful memory which he used to quote and recall all sorts of facts with precision.
His insights and critical mind helped mold our school’s policies and practices regarding social justice and communication. That is a priceless contribution to our academic and personal lives.

He was a fierce debater of rare intelligence .

My heart goes out to Kristen and their children; as well as to his extended family and friends.
May his memory be a blessing 🙏🏽

Elizabeth Lozano
May 7, 2024
We will miss our dear friend, Mark. Our deepest condolences go to Kristin, Allie, and Ben. We first met Mark about 15 years ago, when Ben and Evan were playing soccer together. We loved watching the boys grow up, and we also loved going out or just hanging out discussing politics, books, movies, and history, including the history of West Rogers Park—our neighborhood and where Mark grew up. Mark and Kristin have been great friends and a comfort to us. Our only real running argument with Mark has been about the designated-hitter rule. May he rest in peace.
--Glen and Ann

Glen Carman
May 7, 2024
A great friend, colleague, and mentor. Mark made life at Loyola enjoyable and my Mondays meaningful after he retired. He was always there for me if I needed advice or just to vent. His work will live on in the program he helped create and the countless students whose lives he touched. I was proud to have him as a friend and will miss him dearly.

David Romanelli
May 8, 2024
Mark was (is) my favorite professor from Loyola U. He was witty, funny and super smart. He was kind and patient, and he had a fondness and understanding for veterans going back to school, which was rare. Taking his rhetoric class opened up a new world of politics and persuasive language that has impacted me and my work to this day. My favorite memory is when I used the skills he taught me and persuaded him to not give us a final and he agreed! A group of his students and I formed the Dinner Club with him and it was so much fun to catch up yearly, break bread and chat about our life. The last time Mark and I talked he said he wanted to meet my two daughters. I’m saddened that we didn’t make it happen. I will always remember him and cherish him as the amazing teacher and wonderful human being he was.

Alma Tello
May 8, 2024
I first met Mark more than 30 years ago in Philadephia where he and Kristin were dating. I vividly remember sitting across from him and Kristin in his apartment and getting to know him as an individual and Kristin and him as a couple. I thought he was wonderful. He was so warm and supportive of Kristin, and despite a prodigious intellect, I didn't feel intimidated and felt he extended that warmth and support to me as well, as one of Kristin's good friends. I expect he had the same effect on his many students. I thought he and Kristin made a perfect couple and felt certain they would end up getting married, and of course, they did! My heart goes out to Kristin and Allie and Ben. May his memory be a blessing.

Carolyn Kahn
May 8, 2024
It was with extreme shock and sadness that I learned the news of Mark's premature passing. Although I had not had the opportunity to see my first cousin in approximately 65 years, i recall the many childhood summers that I spent visiting Chicago with my brother and parents and all the enjoyable activities we partook in, including attending White Sox games. i will always remember the good times we had.

i want to extend my heartfelt condolences to Kristin, Alexandria, Benjamin, Edith, Ann and Sean and their Families for the loss of a dear "angel."

Sorrowfully,
Cousin Ilene

Ilene Bloom
May 8, 2024
I’m heartbroken to learn of Mark’s passing. I have so many good memories of wonderful conversations. Saying a prayer for all of you.

Jim Jasinski
May 16, 2024
Mark Pollock was my husband’s student at NIU; Arthur loved his brilliant insights and his witty charm. When I became an administrator and had to commit more hours, we hired Mark to drive our children home or to any one of the many activities children pursue. To trust anyone with one’s children is the highest praise. When Arthur died on his 70th birthday in 2012, we asked Mark to be one of the speakers at his memorial; he touched my heart. I was shocked to learn of his death, and I’m very sorry for all his family and his other friends. The world has lost a wonder.

Sue Doederlein
May 17, 2024