Frank Thomas “Tom” Pollock

On Friday, June 19, 2026, Frank Thomas “Tom” Pollock passed away surrounded by family members and friends at The Crossing at Clarity Hospice in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Tom was a man dedicated to his family, faith, and friends who possessed many talents and gifts that he readily shared with others. One of his favorite sayings was, “If laughter were the key, he opened many a door.” Those who knew Tom understood exactly what he meant. His warmth, humor, generosity, and joyful spirit opened doors to lifelong friendships, meaningful relationships, and countless opportunities to serve others. His was truly a life measured not only by accomplishments, but by the people he loved and who loved him in return.

Tom was born on April 1, 1945, to Frank Rowland Pollock and Frances Meyer Pollock in Columbus, Ohio. Tom, his parents, and his sister, Mary Jo, lived in Norfolk, Virginia and then move to Northern Virginia. Tom attended Catholic schools, served as an altar boy, and remained a devout Catholic throughout his life. He swam and played baseball competitively throughout his childhood and young adult years. Upon graduation from St. John’s Military Academy , he attended American University in Washington, D.C., where he lettered in football and baseball and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a minor in Public Relations and Communications. He then served in the U.S. Army as an equipment instructor before beginning a career that would allow him to do what he loved most, work with and serve people.

Tom’s education and natural people skills served him well as he entered the hospitality and restaurant industries. His relationship with the Washington Redskins organization led to a friendship with Bob Brunet, a relationship that would ultimately change the course of his life and bring him to Louisiana. In 1976, Bob persuaded the perfect person to manage Gally Seafood Restaurant in Baton Rouge, a well-dressed, well-spoken young man who loved engaging with customers and excelled in restaurant operations. He later worked for Tom Moran as a manager at Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

His leadership skills eventually led him to AAA, where he served as Regional Sales Manager. It would become the longest chapter of his professional life and the position from which he retired in 2013.

If there was one thing people knew about Tom, it was that he had a big heart. He genuinely cared about people and never hesitated to share his time, talents, encouragement, or friendship. His kindness was not a sign of weakness, but rather one of his greatest strengths. He had a remarkable ability to make others feel welcomed, valued, and important.

That big heart guided the way he lived his life and helped him build and maintain lifelong friendships and relationships. Whether family, friends, coworkers, or someone he had just met, Tom had a gift for connecting with people and making them feel at home. During the final months of his life, those relationships were evident in the countless visits, meals, phone calls, prayers, and acts of love he received. The outpouring of support reflected the love, loyalty, and generosity he had spent a lifetime giving to others.

When Tom learned he needed a kidney transplant, he was blessed by the extraordinary generosity of his dear friend, Eileen Hollingsworth, who selflessly donated a kidney and gave him the priceless gift of additional years with his family and friends. Tom never stopped being grateful for that gift and the memories it allowed him to create.

At all times, Tom’s attention was focused on his children and grandchildren and how he could help them succeed and find happiness. A gifted athlete himself, Tom excelled in football, baseball, swimming, and golf. He was a two-time Louisiana Amateur Golf Champion, winning titles in 2000 and 2001.

Tom recognized talent in his children and grandchildren and found tremendous joy in helping them develop it. His enthusiasm was legendary. When his daughter Jewel started her own business, he would stop by to “observe” and offer encouragement. When his daughter Sara played soccer at LSU, he could be heard from the sidelines shouting, “Fresh legs, Coach! Fresh legs!” When his grandchildren became involved in sports, Tom was right there beside them, helping with golf swings, baseball mechanics, and offering his thoughts on whatever position they happened to be playing that season. Porter, Chase, Robby, and Rose’s interests became his interests, and their successes brought him immense pride and joy.

One of Tom’s greatest joys was creating memories and traditions with family and friends. Alongside his longtime friend Gary Spurlock, he established the annual tradition of smoking hams and turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas. What began as a holiday project evolved into an all-night labor of love that blessed countless family members and friends. Even as health challenges mounted, Tom remained committed to the tradition, finding joy not only in the food but in the fellowship and memories created along the way.

Tom shared a special bond with his sister, Mary Jo, and her husband, Richard. Though miles often separated them, they remained close in heart throughout his life, as did their children, Casey, Christin, and Nicholas.

Tom also remained a cherished member of the Breaux family. Following his marriage to and later divorce from “D-D” Breaux, mutual respect, friendship, and love endured. Tom continued to be welcomed into family gatherings, celebrations, and milestones, and the Breaux family remained a constant source of support, friendship, and comfort throughout his life.

His daughters, Jewel and Sara, remained devoted to their father, especially during his many health challenges. Together they helped care for him, advocate for him, and ensure he could continue doing what he loved most, being present for family, friends, games, celebrations, and the people he loved.

Tom was known by many names throughout his life. To some he was Big Tom. To others, Uncle Tom, Tom Cat, TP, Dad, or Pawpaw. Whatever name he answered to, the common thread was the same: he loved deeply, lived generously, and brought joy to those around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Rowland Pollock and Frances Meyer Pollock.

Tom is survived by his children, Jewel Pollock Fourrier and Sara Rose Pollock Dickson; his grandchildren, Porter Thomas Fourrier, Chase Hebert Fourrier, Robert “Robby” Eric Dickson IV, and Rose Breaux Dickson; his sister, Mary Jo Pollock and her husband, Richard.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Tom’s Village, Jean Comeaux, Brandon Baque, Nancy and Michael Charbonnet, Janey Nasca, Vicki and Gary Spurlock, Renee Crifasi, “D-D” Breaux, Rhonda McFarland, Ronda Bennet - whose care, compassion, friendship, and support brought comfort to Tom and his family throughout his journey. We also offer special thanks to Eileen Hollingsworth for her extraordinary gift of life and to the many friends and family members who surrounded Tom with prayers, visits, meals, laughter, and love.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 2025 Stuart Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808.

A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 10:30 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church.

A private family interment will take place at a later date at the Our Lady of Mercy Garden of Peace Columbarium.

Those wishing to honor Tom's memory may make a memorial contribution to the Legacy Donor Foundation, 2701 Kingman Street, Suite 101, Metairie, Louisiana 70006. The gift of organ donation gave Tom additional years with the people he loved most, and supporting this mission is a meaningful way to celebrate his life and legacy.

A life measured in love leaves a lasting legacy. Tom's legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friendships he nurtured, the traditions he created, and the countless lives he touched with his generous heart.