Andrew William Pollard, 60, died peacefully at home after a heroic battle with cancer, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. He was born on November 16, 1964, in Warren PA to Barbara and William Pollard. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Patricia Pollard, son James Pollard (Karen Carney), niece Hannah Franklin (Jake Weisen), and nephew Ian Franklin (Ashley Taylor). He is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved sister, Anne.
Known for his healing hugs, from which he never let go first; Andrew was a graduate of Warren Area High School. He obtained a master’s degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Rhode Island as well as a master’s in education from Edinboro University.
For the past 21 years he was employed by the Warren County School District as an elementary teacher, instructor of the Warren County gifted program, school psychologist, and most recently, art teacher at Eisenhower Elementary and Middle School. Throughout his life, Andrew loved learning and earned multiple educational certifications. He was a passionate educator who always put his students first.
Andrew served as Eucharistic Minister, Licensed Preacher, Senior Warden, and Church Musician at St. Francis of Assisi of Youngsville, PA. He was an accomplished musician and vocalist who played over 32 different instruments. He performed in Anam Cara as well as many musicals and plays at the Struther’s Library Theater.
Andrew was involved in many local activities and programs. He served as an administrator and instructor of the summer music school program in Warren, he was a 4-H mentor and summer coordinator, emcee for the Zonta Club Lucky Numbers, and announcer for the Silver Cup Horse Show at the Warren County Fair where every Saturday morning of the fair, you could hear his booming tenor singing the Star-Spangled Banner.
Prior to his teaching career, Andrew was a Certified Nurse Assistant, Social Worker, and Software Trainer for Beverly Enterprises and Central Care Center.
In addition to his passion for teaching, Andrew was a life-long equestrian who raised and cared for many horses throughout his life. Andrew lived to love, and he would want every one of his students to know that they were “his favorite.”
Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 343 East Main Street, Youngsville, PA., from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. when a Celebration of Life will be held. Immediately following the service, a light luncheon and reminiscence’s will be held in Fellowship Hall. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to: Ike Pride Memorial Scholarship Fund, 3700 Route 957, Russell, Pa. 16345 or Morgan Horse Rescue. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
Mr. Pollard was a great art teacher, always saw something in people even when they didn’t see it themselves.. His passing was so sad and i’m just in aw. Hope he lives on in heaven and i pray for his close friends and family.
Mr pollard wasn’t just a teacher he was the best teacher when someone was having a bad day you could always go to him about everything and he will listen and have your back breaks my heart that he gone but I know he in a better place and he not in pain anymore he battled cancer for a long time. He was a fighter he was so strong miss him everyday praying for his family and friends I know he watching over us so proud he was such a good person.
Pat
I was prvileged to teach at Market St School with Andrew…I was supposed to be his “mentor teacher” & guide him in his first year in WCSD but he guided and inspired me in the final years of my career!! one of my most memorable characters…so fortunate to have known him….
I only had the privilege of meeting Andrew once. We were both vacationing at the same location, and he called out my name,”Erin!” I had no idea who he was, but he recognized my face from pictures he had seen that my sister had. She was his friend and had great respect for him. We had the best 5 minutes getting to know one another. My sister’s friend and me. He exuded so much joy!
I had the great pleasure of meeting Andrew when he first returned to Warren. He was young, naive, and, I believe, scared of his future, but his personality just bloomed love and kindness. I remember trying to help him find a home to live in and sitting on a swing in the country at someone’s camp just chatting thru an entire afternoon. I remember him meeting Pat who was his “roomate”, but destined to become the love of his life and the person who made him whole. I remember his great love for his niece, whom he adored, and the day he got to announce the arrival of his son James to the family. James completed his dream that his life was whole and perfect. His love of animals, particularly those who the world deemed imperfect, showed the warmth and feeling he had for everything or person who crossed his path. He was brilliant, yet soft, caring, and a big teddy bear who never met a stranger. I am truely saddened by this news, but I also know that his short 60 years on this earth touched many, many lives in such a positive way that he won’t be forgotten. And yes, he never was first to let go when he shared one of those big bear hugs and I always looked forward to being one of the recipients. Pat and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Heaven certainly gained a great angel.