Anthony (Tony) Polacca, 79, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on August 17, 2021, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence Kansas. From Colorado River Indian Tribes reservation, Parker, Arizona.
He graduated from Parker High School and later attended Haskell Indian Nations University. He was born September 14, 1941, in Keams Canyon, Arizona, the son of the late Starlie Polacca and Elsie Lomayesva Polacca. He married Ellen Dietz Polacca, who survives. Other survivors include his two children, Renee Polacca, and Ryan Polacca.
He worked for Hercules Corporation, Wyandotte County school district, and retired from Haskell Indian Nations University. Tony coached little league baseball and was a faithful attendant at church. He is remembered as a kind, diligent family man, Godly, a good uncle, and a good friend. Tricia Karlin had this to say, “I’ll never forget his friendliness and ready smile”.
Steve La Cour, Haskell facilities, also shared his thoughts on Mr. Polacca, “I am Kiowa from Deer Women country Carnegie Okla, I just want to write a few lines about my Buddy I met Tony when I was hired here at the Facility’s Department at Haskell about December, 2020, we became good friends worked together on many large projects including rebuilding the pow wow grounds arbor, concessions, replacements of windows in Pocahontas Hall, Jim Thorpe Hall, & Powhattan Halls, & many more, we become good friends, Tony was a good family man & good provider for his family, my friend enjoyed life he lived a good life was well like by all Faculty & Staff, Tony showed up every day ready to work, Tony loved his Family had a loud boisterous unique laugh that used to be heard all around Campus, Going to miss my buddy Tony Polacco”,
Tony Polacco left an impact on everyone he met and will be missed by many, including; Friends, family, and staff.
Story guest-written by Rhonda LeValdo (faculty)
