Michael Pokross

Michael George Pokross was born in Verona New Jersey on November 3, 1946 to Hannah (maiden name Bachman) and Leonard Pokross. Hannah was a strong and kind woman who raised Michael as a single mother; Michael did not have any siblings. He was close to his aunt and uncle and his cousin Sylvia who all precede him in death. Hannah met the steadfast Max Dorfman at their local Jewish Community Center and he was welcomed into their lives as a surrogate grandfather for Michael’s children. Michael graduated from Montclair University in New Jersey with a Bachelor’s degree in Science. Although he was raised in the Jewish faith, as an adult he worshiped Jesus Christ and is a Christian. He married Julia Sullivan (now Julia Beck of Thousand Oaks) in 1973. They started their family in the very rural town of Crandon Lakes, New Jersey. Amy was born in 1980 and their son Andrew was born in 1982. In 1990 Julia’s job allowed the family to move to Thousand Oaks California. It was difficult for Michael to leave his home, in fact it was the only time that his children ever saw him cry. But he would always say that he wouldn’t want to live anywhere other than California. He passed away peacefully at his home on October 22, 2017 in Camarillo. Michael’s son Andrew has blessed Michael with more family. Andrew is married to Willow Moyer-Pokross, and has a daughter Raven and a son Max, due in December. Michael is also survived by his daughter Amy and his son-in-law Jake Perry, from which he has a 2-year-old granddaughter named Hannah. His favorite pastime was working on his garden. He loved flowers, especially his extensive and diverse collection of rose bushes. He knew all the names of the specific roses and what year the strain was created. When his children were young, Michael would drive them around their neighborhood pointing out trees and other plants, teaching them the name of the plants. One of his other passions was photography, especially of nature on his travels and of various plants and flowers. He enjoyed going to the beach, and for a long drive on the PCH in his Honda. When he was able he played Table Tennis at the Pleasant Valley Senior Center in Camarillo, and worked on his Honda. Michael is missed but will not be forgotten and will always be loved. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 27, 2017 at 12pm located at Perez Family Chapel 1347 Del Norte Road Camarillo, CA 93010