JOHN DAVID POLA A beloved and respected member of an historic Alameda family died on January 29th 2002. John was a practicing mortician in Alameda for over 60 years, starting in his family's business, Smiley and Gallagher, which opened in Alameda in 1896. John retired just last year at the age of 79. Aka; Big Daddy, Dad, Big John, Gong Kong, Grandpa, Uncle John. Loving father of Barry Pola of Alameda, Bill Pola of Salem, Oregon, Tom Pola of Concord, John Pola of Woodland and the late Stephen Pola. Father-in-law of Diane Pola and Connie Pola. Stand-in-father for many of those who needed one and wanted one. Grandfather of Hannah Plante, Tara Smith, Melissa Pola, Erin Pola, Michael Pola and Katy Pola. Great Grandfather of five. Brother of Robert Pola of Alameda and the late Lenore Evertt, Barbara Pola and Jeanne Pola. Loving uncle to John, Tim, Peter, Paul, Michael, Anne, Patrick, Gregory, Rob, Jeanne, Liz, Dan, Bill, Michael, John, David and Chris. Son of the late Albano and Helen Pola of Alameda. The world will miss a true friend with a large heart of gold. He truly loved each and every person that he met and accepted as his friend. Friends and family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial for the Repose of John's Soul on Saturday, February 2, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Basilica, 1109 Chestnut St., Alameda, CA. Resitation of the Holy Rosary will be on Friday, February 1, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. at The Greer Family Mortuary, 2694 Blaning Ave., Alameda, CA with visitation from 2 to 8 p.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Hayward. For further information please call: GREER FAMILY MORTUARY ALAMEDA FDR 1408 510-865-3755 SUCCESSORS TO SMILEY AND GALLAGHER.

Alameda Times-Star 1/31/02.