Daniel H. Polett, of Gladwyne, an award-winning auto dealership owner and honorary lifetime trustee at Temple University, died on October 2 at 89, writes Gary Miles for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Polett, who was also a philanthropist, mentor, and community advocate, purchased Wilkie Buick in North Philadelphia in 1971. Over the next 35 years, he expanded to 12 dealerships in several states.
“He fostered a family dealership,” wrote a former colleague at Wilkie in an online tribute.
He was chair and president for auto dealership organizations as well as hospital board chair at Temple for decades.
“Countless students have benefited from the scholarships that he helped create, and the entire Board of Trustees benefited from his leadership,” said Phillip C. Richards, vice chair of the Temple Board of Trustees.
He consistently provided financial support to nonprofits, charities, and nursing homes, as well as the Catholic Church.
He served as chairman of the Philadelphia Auto Show twice and was a two-time president of the Auto Dealers Association of Philadelphia.
His hard work was recognized with numerous awards, including auto dealership service awards from Buick and Lexus, as well as Time and Sports Illustrated magazines.
Read more about Daniel H. Polett in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
