Edwin Polokoff
Funeral Service: January 7, 2025 1:00 PM
Cemetery: Beth El Mausoleum of Boca Raton
333 SW 4th Avenue,
Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Notes:
Edwin Polokoff 3/1/23 – 12/17/24
Edwin Polokoff died peacefully at home on December 17, 2024, at the remarkable age of 101. Born on March 1, 1923, in Poughkeepsie, NY, Ed was the son of David and Rose Polokoff and brother to Larry and Shirley.
His life was dedicated to living well and giving back, leaving a mark on all who knew him.
After graduating from Poughkeepsie High School in 1940, Ed was accepted at Duke University.
His education was put on hold during World War II, as he served as an officer in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater from 1943 to 1946. After the war, Ed returned to Duke and graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
He began his career as an economics instructor at the University of Buffalo from 1946 to 1948. He then joined Merrill Lynch, where he flourished. Dedication, expertise, and leadership skills earned him the position of First Vice President, and in 1972, he was made Partner. He was a top producer, and a primary lecturer for Merrill Lynch Training Classes, shaping the careers of countless young financial advisors.
Ed’s professional success was matched by his commitment to community service.
He was a pillar of the Buffalo community, serving as Chairman of the United Jewish Fund of Buffalo, and Board President of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. He joined the Canisius High School Board of Trustees. His efforts were recognized by the Buffalo Evening News with the Outstanding Citizen Award for 1976. The Buffalo Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies awarded Mr. Polokoff the Endowment Development Award for 1988.
Upon retiring in 1998, after a celebrated 50-year career with Merrill Lynch, Ed focused on his passions: community service, music, travel, and family.
He served on the Board of the Boca Raton Museum of Art, leading several fundraising efforts. He found time to publish two memoirs .
He was an enthusiastic – and competitive – golfer and tennis player. Ed was also a self-taught pianist, and often played with professional musicians at charitable events and gatherings.
Ed is survived by his wife of 45 years, Georgina Fraser Polokoff,
his children with his first wife Gloria Smith Polokoff (now deceased): Mark Polokoff (Robin), Linda Brandon (Philip), and Gail Rose (Calvin), his grandchildren, Jonathan (Danielle), Beth, Rachael, Elliot, Alice, and Daniel, and his great-grandchildren, Zachary and Noah. His family was his pride and joy, and he valued the time he spent with them.
Ed Polokoff’s legacy is one of great accomplishment. Those who knew him will forever remember his warmth, generosity, and joy for life.
A service will be held on January 7, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Temple Beth El of Boca Raton.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, the Boca Raton Museum of Art or Temple Beth El of Boca Raton.