Theresa A. Pollacek

Theresa A. Pollacek, age 89, of Rotterdam, New York, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Baptist Health and Rehabilitation Center in Scotia, New York.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Theresa was the daughter of the late Alesio and Angelina Capobianco. As a young girl, her family moved from Brooklyn to Rotterdam, where she later graduated from Draper High School. Theresa met James Pollacek, the love of her life, in Brooklyn. They were married in 1956 and began their life together in Rotterdam, where they raised five beautiful children.

Theresa was employed for many years as a secretary with New York State, working in the Lieutenant Governor’s Office, the Office for the Aging, and most recently with the New York State Thruway Authority, before retiring in 1995.

She was a devoted member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, where she served faithfully as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. Theresa also volunteered annually at the church Festa and generously gave her time with Boy Scout Troop #54. Known for her feisty spirit and strong personality, she enjoyed playing cards, trips to the casino, and—most of all—cooking for and spending time with her family.

Theresa was predeceased by her beloved husband, James Pollacek, and her siblings: Mary Starson, Anna Capobianco, Frances Capobianco, Columbia Tokos, Jeanette Sciocchetti, Lucy Reutter, and Vincent Capobianco.

She is survived by her loving children: James Pollacek; Joseph Pollacek (Nickie); Angela Krulls; David Pollacek (Heather); and Scott Pollacek (Brenda). She is also survived by her sisters, Rose Ostergren (Paul) and Gloria Denisoff (late Daniel); her brother-in-law, Stephen Reutter (late Lucy); her cherished grandchildren, Matthew Pollacek, Kiana Pollacek (Kevin), Kateri Krulls, Tess Pollacek, and Casey Pollacek; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Baptist Health and Rehabilitation Center in Scotia, New York, for their compassion and thoughtful care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Theresa’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Baptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center:

Alzheimer’s Association donation page:https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate — Donations help provide care, support, education programs, and research toward treatments and a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

Baptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center support page:https://www.bapthealth.com/give/ — Gifts to Baptist Health help support resident programs, activities, and improvements that enrich the lives of their patients and community.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 210 Princetown Road, Rotterdam. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the Mass from 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Interment will be private.