Henry Pollak (1927-2026): A Tribute
In Consortium 128, a few of us - Landy Godbold, Joe Malkevitch, Paul Kehle, and myself put together a thank-you article to Henry Pollak. Henry had a profound effect on our lives and our careers, and on literally thousands of other mathematicians and mathematics educators. And we just wanted to say thanks. And we wanted to say it while he was still alive to hear what he meant to us.
On July 8, 2026, Henry Pollak passed away at the age of 98. I cannot express how much I will miss him - his joy, his humor, his intellect, and his overwhelming curiosity.
In tribute to his memory, we are reposting that Consortium article, ever grateful that he was able to read it while he was with us.
In Memoriam
The original tribute, published in Consortium 128, is available below:
Read the original tribute (PDF)
Written by
Sol Garfunkel
Sol Garfunkel is a mathematician who has dedicated his career to mathematics education. Since 1980, he has served as the executive director of COMAP, an award-winning non-profit organization that works with teachers, students, and business people to create learning environments where mathematics is used to investigate and model real issues in our world.
