Abe Pollin was the type of owner lifelong Washington DC residents like me are proud of. He did more for this city than many of the politicians. More than any money he spent he will be remembered as a man that always reached out to help others. I had the opportunity to interact with Mr. Pollin during my time as the Video Producer of the Spirit of America Pageants for the US Army held at the Cap Centre. It was during the four years of these pageants that I got to know the man. For a man of such high stature he not only remembered my name but he always asked about my family whose names he remembered as well. If you knew him he treated you like family and if you didn’t he got to know you so he could treat you like family.

Abe did things to help thousands of Washingtonians and change lives for the better. I know my life is better as a result of knowing him. My family sends our love and condolences to Irene and her two sons. DC has lost a remarkable man but I will remember him every time I venture to the Verizon Center which sits on Abe Pollin Way. There will be a lot of nice things said about Abe this week and he deserves all of it. Rest in peace my friend.