August Marion Pollastro

By By

HELPER-Exemplary husband, father, grandfather and brother August Marion Pollastro, age 84, peacefully passed from this life Oct. 22, 2009 after recovery complications from surgery.
He was born to Italian immigrant parents Antony Joseph Pollastro and Augintina Bijnoli Pollastro in Heiner, Utah on Jan. 8, 1925.
Married Glenna Alger, Sept. 27, 1952 and they sealed their marriage eternally in the Manti Temple on Sept. 28, 1964. She died in December of 2006.
August was a life long resident of the Helper area and loved his home town. Shortly after high school graduation, August found himself in the service ofhis country in World War II. He served in the US Army in North Africa and Egypt. He again was called back to serve during the Korean conflict.
Following his military release, he pursued a career in coal mining like his father, the same profession which had brought him to this country. He worked in the Castle Gate mines for 27 years and at the time of the mine closure was master mechanic. He completed his mining career at Kaiser Steel as the surface maintenance superintendent. It was hard to compete with his memory of reciting part numbers for most of the mining equipment.
His “fix-it” attitude extended into all that he undertook and around home there wasn’t anything that wasn’t organized and fine tuned. He not only fixed things but had a great passion for his fellowman trying to mend them.
He was the consummate “people person” always extending a strong handshake, an arm around the shoulder and a willingness to share a laugh with all he met. He had a great desire to make all feel welcome and loved. He knew his true happiness was found being with family. His grandchildren were his prizes and he patiently taught, avidly supported their activities and then cheered their accomplishments. Many great lessons were learned from “Grandpa Gus”.
He was an active member of the LDS church and served valiantly in many leadership callings such as Patriarch, Bishop and Stake Mission President. His final call as an ordinance worker in the Manti Temple with his sweetheart for 10 years was a final capstone of great service.
August is survived by his daughter Becky (Tom) Jensen, Glendale, Ariz.; son, Carl (Vicki) Pollastro, Helper; nine grandchildren, Glenna Leigh Jensen, Judy (Alan) Sullivan, Dean Jensen, Jenifer Jensen, all of Glendale, Ariz., Christian (Cammie) Pollastro, Rock Springs, Wyo., Melissa (Devin) Esplin, Castle Dale, Carson (Nykelle) Pollastro, Green River, Wyo., Brittany Pollastro, Salt Lake, and Dustin Pollastro, currently serving an LDS mission in Minneapolis, Minn.; five great-grandchildren, Mick Jensen, Cali and Carter Pollastro, Parker Esplin and Mia Bella Pollastro. Preceded in death by his dear wife, Glenna, infant daughter Cathy Sue and brother John B. Pollastro.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, 11 a.m. at the Helper LDS Stake Center, 150 Ridgeway. The family will be at Mitchell’s Funeral Home Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. and at the Stake Center one hour prior to the service. Interment, Mountain View Cemetery, Helper. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, 845 East 4800 South Suite #120, Salt Lake City, Utah 84107.