Joseph Polansky Jr., "José" to his friends and acquaintances, graduated from Ithaca College in 1955 with a degree in speech. He earned a master's degree in speech therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and stayed in the area after graduation to practice his profession. José worked for Madison General Hospital as a speech therapist and later for the State of Wisconsin as the health occupations consultant for South Central Wisconsin College System.
Though a therapist by trade, theater was José's life. He was well known in Madison for his involvement in theater. He primarily acted on stage, but was involved in many other aspects of the business. He worked with the Madison Theatre Guild, the Department of Theatre and Drama at UW, Children's Theater of Madison, and Oregon Straw Hat Players. He was featured in many commercials, print advertisements, and on radio.
An active alumnus, José volunteered with IC's Perennials alumni group, and looked forward to his reunion every year.
José was born in Binghamton, New York, and married wife, Diane, in 1960. He is survived by children Joe Polansky, Krista Polansky, and Tana Polanky Maurer, all of Madison, Wisconsin. He has many nieces and nephews in Binghamton, and was affiliated with Holy Spirit Church.