Gregg T. Polak

Gregg Thomas Polak, 58, of Lincoln,  RI  passed away peacefully, surrounded by his devoted family, on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at Rhode Island Hospital, Providence.  He was the beloved husband of Shannon Rondeau and the very proud and loving father of Ethan and McLean Polak. Born in Providence, he was a beloved son of Thaddeus and Norma (Dunn) Polak. He was preceded in death by his loving parents and sister, Susan Marie. 

Gregg was the youngest of the seven children of Norma and Ted. Growing up, he was always lovable and ready for fun with his parents and older siblings who adored him, along with his loving Grandparents and his many friends.  From his pet pony to family vacations, Gregg enjoyed his childhood with his family and brought so much joy and pride to us all.  As he grew, he was a natural athlete and excelled in all sports, but hockey was his true calling . 

From an early age, Gregg’s passion  and talent for hockey set him apart. A standout player at Lincoln High School, he helped lead his team to a Division championship in 1985, earning a full scholarship to Northeastern University, where he earned a starting role as a true freshman. His talent caught the attention of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, who selected him in the fourth round of the draft. He went on to play for the Oshawa Generals,  a storied program that helped develop legends of the game,  and those who knew him best believed wholeheartedly that the NHL was his destiny. 

That dream was interrupted when Gregg was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. In the face of that challenge, the depth of his family’s love became undeniable. Every single one of his siblings came forward and underwent testing to see if they could be a match for a kidney. It was an act of love that speaks to the remarkable family Norma and Thaddeus Polak had raised. His brother Teddie proved to be a 100% match and volunteered immediately to donate. For years, that gift gave Gregg the life he deserved. When that transplant eventually failed, his sister Sueann, also a match, stepped forward without hesitation and donated her kidney as well. 

Gregg channeled his love of the game into coaching, guiding young players at Seekonk High School and  North Smithfield High School and leaving a lasting impression on every athlete he mentored. Once his own boys began skating, he was their biggest fan and dedicated role model. He jumped in to help coach them and their team, the Providence Capitals, as well. 

Along with his brother Teddie, Gregg founded the Northeast Summer Hockey Camp. It ran for several years, drawing hundreds of young players who attended to sharpen their skills and passion for the game. 

Gregg and Shannon also built something else to be proud of together, The Breakfast Place in Cumberland, Rhode Island.  A warm, welcoming restaurant where great food, good conversation, and familiar faces were always on the menu. 

Nothing mattered more to Gregg than his family. He was a loving and present husband and father who poured himself into raising Ethan and McLean. Family gatherings were filled with laughter, and Gregg was always at the center of it. He was quick with a smile, quicker with a joke, and radiated the sunny outlook that made everyone around him feel at ease.  Gregg collected friends wherever he went and kept them for life.

Together, Gregg and Shannon also lovingly restored a beautiful vacation cabin in Vermont, where the family spent countless cherished vacations together.  It was a peaceful retreat that became a place of treasured memories for the boys. He found great pleasure in snowmobiling with his Vermont club, hiking, and fishing too. 

In addition to Shannon and his boys, Ethan and McLean, he leaves his siblings Barry Polak (Karen), Cynthia Dursin (Richard), Sueann Jones (Dennis), Beth Ellen Borzain (John), and Teddie James Polak.  He also leaves sisters and brother in law, Carrie Shifflet, Doreen Hogan and Rick  Rondeau, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gregg Thomas Polak lived with heart, on the ice, in Vermont, and most of all, with his family at home. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026 from 1:00-4:00PM at Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln followed by a Funeral Service at 4:00PM.  Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to  The National Kidney Foundation of New England (www.kidney.org) would be appreciated.

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