William R. Polito "Bill"

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at age 81. Predeceased by his parents, Jennie and Angelo; survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Kay; children, Stephen (JoAnn) Polito and Jason (Thekla) Polito; his beloved grandchildren, Jennifer, Brent, Miles, Riese and Clara; siblings, Andrea McLaughlin, Christopher (Lisa) Polito; brother-in-law, Kenneth (Alice) Erickson and many dear nieces, nephews, and friends. An avid reader of any book he could find, Bill was an encyclopedia of quotes, ideas, and arcane trivia, which made him a formidable Jeopardy player and solver of crossword puzzles. Besides a strong mind, he also inherited a strong work ethic from his parents. Bill spent much of his youth working jobs ranging from gas station attendant to working for trucking companies loading and unloading freight. In 1960, he enrolled at Macalaster College in St Paul, MN, with the thought of becoming a lawyer. There he met the love of his life, Kay Erickson, who was working on an art degree. After a whirlwind romance, the always adventurous couple eloped to Iowa and soon experienced one of their first joys, a son, Stephen. Bill and Kay decided to relocate to Rochester, NY to raise their family and start their new life including adding a second son, Jason. Bill took his deep knowledge of literature and became an English teacher at Gates Chili High School, where he worked for 30 years. During his teaching career, he earned many accolades, including Teacher of the Year, twice. His life was richer through the lifelong friends he made with many of his colleagues, and especially his students, many of whom often came back to visit and thank him for his guidance and commitment to their learning. Bill was also an incredible handyman and painter, both of which he spent time honing during summer academic breaks and for nearly 20 years after his retirement from teaching. His other loves included traveling, skiing, charter fishing, spending time with his family and his friends, and caring for his beloved animals. Family and friends are invited to a memorial celebration of his life, Saturday, June 1st. Please feel to stop in and share a memory with family and friends anytime between 11 AM to 2 PM at Red Fedele's Brook House, 920 Elmridge Center Dr, Rochester, NY 14626. In lieu of flowers, donations, in Bill's name, may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to Lollypop Farm.