George "Bud" Oliver Polley, Jr

George “Bud” Oliver Polley Jr, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was 88.

He was born in Eugene Oregon on August 30, 1935. His family moved to Sebastopol when he was 10 years old. He attended Gold Ridge Elementary School and Analy High School, class of 1954, in Sebastopol where he lived for the rest of his life.

     It was in Sebastopol, May of 1954 where he met the love of his life, Angela C. De Mattei. They were married at St. Sebastian’s Catholic Church in Sebastopol on November 10, 1956. The two made a life with each other in Sebastopol where they raised 3 loving children.

     In his younger years, Bud worked in many industries. He worked as an equipment operator, then in the logging industry where he logged on the mountain that would become North Star Ski Resort. He built chicken houses in Bakersfield. In 1960 he went to work at Golden Eagle Milling Company as a feed salesman and was quickly promoted to Manager in the Sebastopol store. The position was created for him because of his knowledge, practical experience, and ties to the local community. During his time in the feed business, he worked with his father in the poultry business where they raised chickens and processed eggs on their family ranch.

     In 1963, together, Bud and Tia established Polley’s Richfield, which would later become Polley’s Arco. It was truly a family business where the children would say, “We will always have a job.” There, he would become a valuable member of the community and make lifelong relationships while giving his customers full service treatment. Bud had hired many High School and College age students to work for him teaching them the value of hard work and customer service. The list was long. When they were old enough, his sons would go to work for him at the service station from Junior High School thru High School. Many of his son’s friends would work there also.

     In 1982, he closed the service station and began a similar but different career at Redwood Oil as a Bob Tail Driver delivering fuel to ranches and businesses. Many of his accounts were local customers of his from the service station days. He Retired from Redwood Oil in 2002.

     Bud was a devoted Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather “G-PA”.

     He devoted time to many organizations and charities in the community. Bud was a Captain and Board member in the Sebastopol Fire Department for 24 years, from 1976 to 2000 and was a mentor to many new recruits. He was a member of the Sebastopol Lions Club where he volunteered to work the chains at Analy High School Football games. Bud and Tia were members of The Analy Boosters when their children attended Analy High School. He supported Analy yearbook and many Analy High School clubs allowing them to have carwashes for fundraisers at the Service station. Bud and Tia were supporters/sponsors of Sebastopol Little League and were members of a group that started Sebastopol Bobby Sox.

     Bud was member of various organizations at St Sebastian’s church. He was a board member of: The Young Men’s Institute, Church’s Financial Board, and the Italian Catholic Federation. He was an integral part in fundraising and cooking at various events. Bud earned the prestigious ICF Presidents Award in 2015. A member of the Elks Club Petaluma Lodge # 901. He also served as a Docent at the West County Museum in Sebastopol.

     His hobbies included golf, traveling anywhere and everywhere, fishing, RV camping, and working on various projects from cars to remodeling. He enjoyed playing Bocce and played in a league with Tia and several of their friends in Santa Rosa and in select tournaments.

     He was drawn to fast cars at a young age and was a partner/owner in a Sportsman class racecar in the mid 60’s that raced at Petaluma Speedway. A big Nascar fan, he attended every Nascar race at Sonoma raceway beginning with the inaugural first race. He bought tickets for his family; it became a tradition every year to go to breakfast and get to the track when the gates opened. He was a loyal fan and watched every weekend. He was especially happy when a Ford won.

     He taught his sons about cars and taught all of his family the value of hard work and treating people fairly. Bud was loved and respected by many and will be deeply missed by his family and dear friends!

     He is preceded in death by his wife Angela C.”Tia” Polley, parents George O. and Irene Polley, Sisters-in-law Barbara Polley, Eleanor Hayden (Chuck), Dorothy Proteau (Don), Evelyn Consani (Hank). His brothers-in-law, Anthony DeMattei (Marge), Robert DeMattei, Davis Ramey, Edward Clausen; his Father-in-law Giacinto Castino, and mother-in-law Mary Castino.

     He is survived by his sons George O. Polley III (Judy), Timothy Polley (Tammy), his daughter Pamela McAlvain (Todd), his  Grandchildren George O. Polley IV(Jamie), Thomas Polley, Christy Enochs (Dylan), Kathryn Lofftus (Kyle), Christopher Polley, Ryan McAlvain, Haley Mills (Sean), his great grandchildren, Shelby Polley, Fallon Polley, Caydie Enochs, Abby Enochs, Benjamin Enochs, Teagan Lofftus, Ford Mills, Lane Mills. His sister Loretta Morgan, his brothers Harry Polley (Jean E), John Polley, his sisters-in-law Gloria Camozzi (Robert), Betty Castino (Cheryl), Marie Ramey, Rene DeMattei, Val Clausen; his brother-in-law David Castino(Patty), and many nieces and nephews.

     A Rosary will be held on Thursday January 4, 2024 at 6:00 PM at St. Sebastian Catholic Church,7938 Covert Lane, Sebastopol, CA 95472

     A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday January 6, 2024 at10:30 AM at St. Sebastian’s Catholic Church, 7938 Covert Lane, Sebastopol, CA 95472 followed by a Graveside Service at Sebastopol Memorial Lawn, 7951 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol, CA 95472

     In lieu of flowers.  Donations may be made in Bud’s name to:

The Italian Catholic Federation, Saint Michaels branch #209 attention: Lorraine Vannetti, 311 Burlwood Ct. Santa Rosa, CA 95401 or to the Sebastopol Fire Fighters Foundation, 7425 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol, CA 95472

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