Ilario Stephen Polite
Ilario Stephen Polite, died November 17,
2006 at Lancaster General Hospital in Lancaster, PA. He
would have celebrated his 98th birthday December 26.
Before moving to Willow Valley Manor North, a retirement
community in Lancaster, PA., Mr. Polite - known as Larry
- was a lifelong resident of Exton, PA., where he owned
and operated The Guernsey Cow (Editor's Note: The Guernsey
Cow is the correct spelling, not "the Guernsey Cow")
restaurant from 1933 to 1976 along with his wife of 72
years, Gladys Michelfelder Polite. While living in Exton,
he was a member of Saints Philip and James Church, Exton.
Born in Ripatoni, in
the province of Abruzzi, Italy, he traveled to the USA
in 1920, with his mother, Emelia, and
younger brother Roosevelt, arriving at Ellis Island to
join his father, Dominic who had settled in West Chester.
Leaving public school at 15, Larry's work ethic took him
from a
mushroom cannery in West Chester to the purchase of the
property at the corner of Routes 30 and 100, which would
become "The Cow", a landmark known for ice cream
and caramel candy made from the purest ingredients.
His interests extended beyond the food industry to include
real estate and banking. He served on the board of directors
of Downingtown National Bank for 23 years and the Downingtown
Savings and Loan for 33 years.
Mr. Polite will be fondly remembered for his devotion to
the game of golf. He took up the game in his forties and
quickly mastered it, maintaining a 3 handicap. Prior to
becoming a founder and charter member of the Whitford Country
Club, he was a member of the Phoenixville and the West
Chester Country Clubs. He was the first Club Champion at
Whitford in 1957 and repeated in 1960. Previously, he was
Club Champion at West Chester in 1956.
Seventeen might have
been his lucky number, since all of the three holes in
one he scored, were on number 17. Two
of these were at Whitford and one at Williamsport Country
Club, in competition. He maintained a handicap of "3",
which was quite a feat, since he only took up the game
in his forties. At the time of his death, Larry held memberships
in five organizations: American Seniors Association, The
Three Score and Ten Club, Philadelphia Seniors Golf Association,
Eastern Seniors Golf Association, and International Seniors
Amateur Golf Society.
His generosity was one of time and spirit, frequently providing
financial and other support to those in need who came into
his life, not the least of which is Willie Minor, who called "The
Cow" his home and the Polites his family. A few years
back, Larry's biography was published so that his great
grandchildren will know their great grandfather through
his many stories and adventures.
In addition to his
wife, Gladys, Larry is survived by his daughters, Wanda
McGlinchey-Ryan of Exton, PA,
Saundra
P. Schier of Audobon, PA, and Mary Lisa Cole (Jeff) of
Downingtown, PA. A brother Joseph E. Puliti, Eight grandchildren,
Kevin McGlinchey(Carolyn), Erin McGlinchey, Sean McGlinchey
(Robin), Brian McGlinchey (Pattie), Joshua Schier (Aimee),
Amanda Schier, Jeffrey Cole and Tyler Cole, as well as
six great grandchildren, Liam and Maeve, Patrick and
William, and Claire, all McGlincheys, and Sophia Schier.
Larry was
predeceased by his brothers,
Roosevelt and Elmer and his sisters, Mary and Mildred.
Memorial contributions are requested to be sent to St.
Mary's Chapel, c/o Saints Philip and James Parish,
107 North Ship Road, Exton, PA 19341 |
