LOWELL—Joseph F. Polak, 88 years old, a well-known football coach and player in Lowell, died late Friday evening in Port Charlotte, FL, after an extended illness. He was the husband of the late Dorothy (Dalton) Polak, who died in August of 1998.
He was born in Lowell, on November 13, 1918, a son of the late Frank and Sophia (Wisniewski) Polak. He graduated from Lowell High School, and University of Georgia, with a degree in Engineering. Mr. Polak was a member of the University of Georgia football team that defeated TCU in the Orange Bowl, in 1942, and a member of the same University of Georgia football team that beat UCLA at the Rose Bowl in 1943, for the National Championship.
Mr. Polak served in the United States Army during World War II with the 102nd Infantry in Germany from 1943 until 1945. He remained a reserve until 1973, retiring as a Colonel. He began his teaching career at Lowell High School, where he also had a very successful football coaching career, under head coach Ray Riddick, as Offensive Backfield Coach, from 1949 until 1974. He was a life member of the Lowell Lodge of Elks, # 87.
Surviving him are a brother and a sister-in-law: Stanley and Dorothy Polak, of Chelmsford; a sister and brother-in-law: Therese and Robert Keenan, of Stow, OH; a sister-in-law: Priscilla (Trask) Polak, of Lowell; also many nieces and nephews.
He was the father of the late Joseph D. Polak, and brother of the late Charlotte Miner, Frank Polak, and Walter Polak.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 PM on Wednesday, July 18th, at the MAHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 187 Nesmith Street, (Rte. 38). His Funeral Mass to be offered Thursday, July 19th at 10 AM at the HOLY TRINITY POLISH CHURCH. Burial in the Holy Trinity Cemetery, Lowell. Arrangements by Mahoney Funeral Home.