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Mar 10, 1917- Apr 8, 2006
Progress Bulletin - June 7, 1962
Dr. Nicholas "Doc" Polos, 89, former University of La Verne History professor and long time teacher at Claremont High School, died April 8, 2006. Nick was born March 10, 1917, in Boston, MA. He met Ethel Bach in New York City in the mid 1930s. The couple married, and in 1938, Richard "Dick" Polos was born to the couple. The family moved to California in 1948, after Nick's military service brought him to the West Coast, where he marveled at the sunny climate.
Nick was a Naval Gunner in both WWII and the Korean War, receiving many medals and ribbons for his service. Later in life, Nick served in the Air Force for 17 years as a Warrant Officer and Senior Instructor, teaching junior officers college credit courses. Nick studies brought him to Pomona College after WWII, where he was a Phi Beta Kappa honoree, leading to his graduating magna cum laude. He was a Woodrow Wilson fellow for Princeton University, and a Rhodes scholar appointee. Nick's education continued at Harvard University for his M.A., leading to his doctorate degree in History from University of California, Berkeley.
An accomplished author, Nick published 9 books and 82 manuscripts in the fields of history and education. His last book, entitled San Dimas: Preserving the Western Spirit (1990), won four book awards including its recognition by the California Historical Society for local history.
His wife Ethel preceded Nick in death February of 2003. Richard, their son, died in March of 2000. The Polos family was well known in civic and social circles in Claremont, actively involved in Pomona College alumni work, local politics, education issues, and they enjoyed their time with young people---mostly Nick's former students.
Nick is survived by his nephew James Polos and his wife, Susan, great-nephew Thomas Polos, great-nieces Louisa Polos (New York) and Alyssa Love (Virginia), Eileen Jerabek (New York), sister-in-law Anne Bach (New York), nephew Michael Bach and his wife, Cecelia (Maryland), niece Meg Maholski, great-nephews William and Sean Maholski (New York) , and first cousin Claire Kakasatis (Massachusetts). The Polos also included as part of their family, the John and Martha Hernandez family of Claremont. The families grew ever closer as the Hernandez' raised their four boys, all of whom were joyfully nurtured by Ethel and Nick. The sons are Robert, Douglas, Johnny and David.
A gravesite ceremony was held at 10:00 AM, Friday, April 21, 2006, at Oak Park Cemetery, Claremont; a memorial service 11:00 AM at Claremont Church of Christ; and a social at Seaver House, Pomona College, Claremont, CA.
Memorial contributions may be made in “Doc” Polos' name to the Salvation Army, the City of Hope, and the Claremont American Youth Soccer Organization.
Nicholas `Doc' Polos
Revered professor, renowned author
Nicholas "Doc" Polos was a man deemed a scholar in every way. Showing support by being both a friend and mentor, his sense of humor endured him to many people who would often wave and shout a greeting as he rode by them on his bicycle.
On April 8, 2006, the former University of La Verne professor and teacher at Claremont High School died at the age of 89.
"He was definitely a treasure," said friend John Hernandez, whose sons were nurtured by Dr. Polos and his wife. "There was a mixture of old-fashion wisdom and ways about him-but he was fascinated by technological advances."
Born March 10, 1917 in Boston, Massachusetts, Dr. Polos met his wife Ethel Bach in New York City in the mid 1930s. They married and in 1938, she gave birth to Richard "Dick" Polos. Jim Polos, Dr. Polos' nephew, said his uncle's early years in New York helped to shape his personality.
"In those neighborhoods you have to be pretty quick on your feet," Jim Polos said. "Between his intellect and street smarts, he was a pretty funny guy and always appreciated a good joke."
Ten years later, the family moved to California when Dr. Polos' military service brought him to the West Coast. His tour of duty saw him as a naval gunner in both WWII and the Korean War and the recipient of many medals and ribbons.
After WWII, Dr. Polos' insatiable thirst for knowledge brought him to Pomona College, where he was a Phi Beta Kappa honoree and graduated magna cum laude. He was also a Woodrow Wilson Fellow for Princeton University and a Rhodes Scholar appointee.
He continued his education at Harvard University, where he earned his master's. Later, he received his doctorate in history from the University of California, Berkeley.
Dr. Polos blended his love for travel with his love for teaching and dedicated 17 years to the Air Force, where he served as a warrant officer and senior instructor, teaching junior officers college credit courses. This travel took him around the world many times, stamping his passport to such destinations as Egypt and Tibet. His last assignment was on the SS Teddy Roosevelt in the Person Gulf when the first war in Iraq broke out.
Always pounding away on a manual typewriter, Dr. Polos was an accomplished author, publishing 9 books and 82 manuscripts in the fields of history and education. His last book, San Dimas: Preserving the Western Spirit, won 4 book awards, including recognition by the California Historical Society for local history.
When not regaling his unchanging repertoire of jokes, or helping with local church functions, Dr. Polos was an accomplished rug weaver. But, he is most remembered for ongoing relationships with others.
Susan Tear, an alumna of Claremont High School, said Dr. Polos "is a tribute to the profound influence" on his students which continued "through all the years since our graduation."
"He had attended our class reunions whenever possible and always showed a deep interest in each student's progress," she said. "This gentle man has profoundly influenced so many people."
Dr. Polos' wife preceded him in death February of 2003 and their son, Richard (CHS 1956), died in March of 2000.
Dr. Polos is survived by his nephew, James Polos and his wife, Susan; his great-nephew, Thomas Polos; his great-nieces, Louisa Polos of New York, Alyssa Love of Virginia, and Eilen Jerabek of New York; his sister-in-law, Anne Bach of New York; his nephew, Michael Bach and his wife, Cecelia of Maryland; his niece, Meg Maholski; his great-nephews, William and Sean Maholski of New York; and his first cousin, Claire Kakasitis of Massachusetts.
A gravesite ceremony took place Friday, April 21, 2006 at Oak Park Cemetery in Claremont, with a memorial service held at Claremont Church of Christ.
- Claremont Courier Obituary
Our Classmates Remember Nick . . .
With a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye he made history fun and interesting. He was a great teacher and a special man. It's been a long time since I was in his classroom but I've always remembered him with great respect.
Carolyn (Ritchie) Bone (Class of '57) (El Cajon, CA
I am sorry to read about Mr. Polos passing away. You know he and I had our differences. I know now that he was trying various ways to force me to stretch myself; to achieve; to try for something better than before. I don't think that I was the only one. When I think back to my high school years he is the one Teacher that I remember first. When I think back on those days I want to back and visit him and say "What a Good Job You did Nicholos Polos. What an Inspiritation for us little spoiled brats." I guess for now it is too late. Perhaps someday I will see him again in a better life. I hope so.
Brian L. Bonicamp
Seattle, Washington
Thirty seven years after graduating from Claremont High's Class of 1957, you were still a mentor for me. In 1994 my letter found you in Hong Kong where you were teaching U.S. History to sailors aboard an aircraft carrier. In it I asked if you would be so kind as to read and give your opinion on some writing I had done. You not only agreed to do so, you carefully read and reviewed all 320 pages, offered valuable suggestions, and then honored me by requesting my permission to use some of it in some of your work. Once our teacher; always our friend.
Richard Douse (Bendroth)
Palo Cedro, CA
Tolerant Teacher and Faithful friend
Patient, understanding,motivational, and caring to each and every student. Time was never a factor in his association with his students. He made every student believe in his own capabilities. Nick always said"history repeats itself" but no on ever did or ever will teach history like Nick Polos. He left us with appreciation for history and mankind. Thanks, Nick. '57
Pam Garr Herrlinger and Julia Hearst Stradling
Claremont and San Diego, CA
I am very sorry to learn of the passing of Nick Polos. He really encouraged me to play competitive tennis in high school, and he made his history and social studies classes a lot of fun. His humor and enthusiasm are things I have tried to remember later in life. I subscribe to the Courier, and I am sure that that paper will have a very good obituary because Nick gave back so much to both Claremont and LaVerne.
John Lyon
Bethesda, Maryland
Oak Park Cemetery - Claremont, California
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/89110087/nicholas-c-polos
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Fred Heilbrun (1965)
Doc had, and still has a major influence on my life. For as many times as I "ditched" classes, I would never consider missing one of his. Of all he gave me, probably the biggest motivator was his (almost) daily proclamation of "Get with it people". I've carried that as a mantra for my life. It has never failed me.
Thanks Doc