Board of Associates member Abe Pollin passes away

Abe Pollin passes at 85

With profound regret, we announce the passing of Abe Pollin, 85, the Washington sports entrepreneur who owned the Wizards basketball team. Mr. Pollin died on Tuesday, November 24 of corticobasal degeneration.

Mr. Pollin was one of the original members of Gallaudet’s Board of Associates, joining the Board when it began in December 1991. He continued to be a member of the Board of Associates until his passing. Mr. Pollin also was a major donor to the University.

“Through his dedicated service on the Board of Associates for many years, Abe Pollin demonstrated his strong support for Gallaudet,” said President Robert Davila. “He was a great friend and advocate for the university.”

He was a major philanthropist in the community, paying for affordable housing and endowing a local Boy’s and Girl’s Club. His grandest project was building the MCI Center (now Verizon Center) in 1997 and triggering a renaissance of Gallery Place and surrounding neighborhoods.

Mr. Pollin is survived by his wife of 65 years, Irene Pollin of Bethesda, Maryland; sons Robert and James; a brother; two granddaughters; and one great-granddaughter.

(Some information in this article is taken from washingtonpost.com. Full coverage of Mr. Pollin’s life and legacy is available here.)