The United Media Guild is mourning the death of Joe Pollack, a former local president and one of the most prominent newspapermen this region has ever seen.

Pollack began his journalism career as a sportswriter for the St. Louis Globe Democrat in 1955. He left to work for the St. Louis Cardinals football team, the n joined the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 1972 and became a prominent member of the features staff. His critiques of film, the ater critic, restaurants and wines built a large readership.

As an activist for Guild – including a six-year stint as local union president – he was a strong advocate for employees of the Post-Dispatch and our o the r units.

We work in difficult times for the media industry and the economy as a whole. Maintaining a strong Guild has never been more important. And we have a strong union, thanks significantly to the work of previous leaders like Joe Pollack.

After his retirement in 1995, Joe remained active in the Guild, representing us at the St. Louis Labor Council and volunteering to assist us with a variety of retiree issues. He also remained prolific as free-lance writer, author and radio show host.

The United Media Guild celebrated Joe’s journalism career at its annual dinner in January. He received the John McGuire Award, named after a longtime colleague at the Post-Dispatch. The award honors someone “whose life’s work embodies the commitment, passion and care John brought to the craft of journalism.”

The first recipient of that award, P-D columnist Bill McClellan, made the presentation to Pollack. Bill marveled at the range and impact of Joe’s work. McClellan also expressed appreciation for such a high-profile staff member taking a leadership role in the union.

McClellan’s kind words moved Joe, as did the standing ovation he received from Guild members, retirees and guests. As he received his award, Pollack said he was at a loss for words – an unusual condition for him, he admitted.

Joe was one of a kind, both as a newspaperman and a union activist. His passing was a great loss for our union and the community at large.

“Joe Pollack was a St. Louis fixture, both an award-winning journalist and an ardent unionist who never would have seen a conflict between the two,” Newspaper Guild president Bernie Lunzer told the Post-Dispatch after learning of his death.

His memorial service will be held next week.