Highlights:  Abe Pollin, Washington Wizard owner has died at the age of 85

Associated Press has reported that Abe Pollin, the Washington Wizards owner who brought an NBA championship to the nation’s capital and later had the mettle to stand up to Michael Jordan, died Tuesday. He was 85.

His death was announced by his company, Washington Sports and Entertainment. No details were disclosed but Pollin suffered from progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain disorder impairs movement and balance. He had heart bypass surgery in 2005 and broke his pelvis two years later.

Wizards Owners Irene & Abe Pollin

Abe Pollin moved with his family to the Washington area from Philadelphia when he was eight. He graduated from The George Washington University in 1945 and went to work for his family’s construction company for 12 years. Irene Pollin, a native of St. Louis, received a Bachelor’s Degree from American University, and then earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Catholic University. In 1957, the Pollins launched their own construction company and, as a local contractor, built several large apartment houses and office buildings, one of which featured the first-ever rooftop pool in Washington.

“With Abe Pollin’s passing, the NBA family has lost its most revered member, whose stewardship of the Wizards franchise, together with his wife Irene, has been a study in unparalleled dedication to the city of Washington,” NBA commissioner David Stern said. “During his illness he fought with a determination and valor that will remain an inspiration to all.”

In addition to his wife, Pollin is survived by sons Robert and James and two grandchildren. Read full story here

The Pollins enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. Robert, the elder of the Pollins’ two sons, lives in Amherst, MA, with his wife Sigrid, where they are both professors at the University of Massachusetts. Robert, an economics professor, and Sigrid, an architect, have two daughters, Emma and Hannah. The Pollins’ younger son, James, is the President of The Pollin Group/MedEdatSea, a travel business specializing in cruises. Irene and Abe Pollin reside in Bethesda, Maryland.

Profile: The Wizard of Washington

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