Stephen Pollihan passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, after a long battle with lewy body dementia. He faced this difficult disease with the same quiet strength that defined his entire life. He leaves a legacy of service and sacrifice to his family, friends, and community.
Stephen was born in February 1950 to Otto and Mary Pollihan in St. Louis, Missouri. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Louis University and a master’s degree from Webster University. He spent his entire career as a police officer serving and protecting the citizens of St. Louis. After graduating from the police academy in 1972, he began his career as a patrolman. Over the next 36 years, he worked his way through the ranks, retiring in 2009 as Assistant Chief of Police. During his time on the force, he co-authored the book “In the Line of Duty” as a tribute to the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Stephen is survived by his beloved wife of 19 years, Kathryn Rosteck; his children, Stephen Pollihan, John Pollihan (wife Lynn), and Christie Pollihan; and his grandchildren, Sean, Madison, Maggie, and Brennan. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Mary DeBourg, Meghan Fitch (husband Brandon), Rebecca Sherwood (husband Craig), and nine step-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Mary Pollihan; his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Margaret Pollihan; and his sister and brother-in-law, Geraldine and Eugene Gamache.
A funeral mass will be held at the Basilica of St. Louis (Old Cathedral) on March 24th at 10:00 A.M. There will also be a short visitation at the church starting at 9:00 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in Stephen’s honor to The Backstoppers.