Kenneth Bruce Pollack
October 20, 1964 - December 28, 2022

Kenneth Bruce Pollack was born on October 20, 1964 to Robert and Sarabelle Harriet Pollack. He was the second of 3 boys. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley where his love of sports, especially soccer and baseball developed. He was a skilled player and those skills earned him a role in the original 1974 movie, The Bad News Bears. He loved playing the relief pitcher "Billy" on the Yankees. Ken was an independent and determined child. He took that drive, partnered and opened a baseball card shop at age 15 and continued collecting into adulthood. That entrepreneurial spirit followed him into several businesses.

He attended Cal State Northridge and earned a degree in Accounting. He was an active member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and made brothers for life.

In 1994 he moved to Arizona. It was here he met the love of his life, Charlotte. Grateful for second chances, together they blended a family and raised 4 beautiful children. He was incredibly proud of Taylor, Josh, Ryan and Brandon. Being a father was Ken's favorite role and at the core of all he did. In 2002, Babbo, "daddy" in Italian, became the foundation of his next venture and Babbo Italian Eatery was created. This family business has grown to 8 valley locations over 20+ years. He used this platform to mentor, serve others and the community both in and out of the kitchen. Over the years Babbo Italian Eatery has supported several organizations close to Ken's heart. Nourish Phoenix, AZ Helping Hands, Young Life, Phoenix Children's Hospital & the Seena Magowitz Foundation to name a few.

Ken loved playing poker and the challenge of tournaments, especially the WSOP. He was competitive, good at it and had a poker face that rivaled any. He loved to travel and he and Charlotte had so many great adventures together. They've flown in balloons, kayaked rivers, swam in many oceans, snow skied, wandered small streets in Europe, Mexico, Canada and spent time in Charlotte's childhood home in Sweden. Exploring the world, their favorite place to spend time together became at their beach home in Coronado, CA. There they made so many incredible memories and forged lifelong friendships.

In February 2021, Ken was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer and originally given 3-6 months. He fought fiercely for nearly two years. He ended up choosing to see this diagnosis as a gift. He met and developed relationships with the incredible physicians and care team at Honor Health Research Institute and at Mayo Hospital. We as his family, will be forever grateful for the care they gave him. He understood that time isn't promised and he gave his whole heart to us. He never wasted relationships or his talents. He used everything God gave him for the better of others. His legacy will live on through Charlotte, his children, grandchildren and the Babbo family. He passed peacefully on December 28, at home surrounded by his family. Ken is survived by the "joy of his life" wife Charlotte, daughter Taylor Schultz (Kyle), sons Josh Pollack, Ryan Pollack (Megan) and Brandon Blain. Grandchildren Brooklyn and Preston Schultz. His father Robert, brothers Glenn (Deb) and Steve. Mother in law, Ragnhild Naylor and a large extended family.

Ken was a believer in Jesus Christ and shared his faith willingly. He believed in giving of himself in any way to others. We are so blessed and honored to be his family and challenge all who knew him to live as he did.

"If you give you will get, if you get you should give." -KP

A Celebration of Life service and reception will be held on Thursday February 23, 2023 between 11-2pm. Located at Highlands Church 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Scottsdale, AZ. 85255. Donations in Ken's name can be made to help pancreatic cancer research and support at seenamagowitzfoundation.org

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