Dennis Poller

Dennis Poller, 89, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he leaves behind a legacy of intellect, honesty, humor, and deep personal warmth. Dennis is survived by his wife Merle Poller, daughter Lisa Poller, son Richard Poller, son-in-law David Silberstein, daughter-in-law Barbara Graves-Poller, grandchildren Brooke Silberstein, Zachary Silberstein and Zoe Poller, and members of his extended family who will miss him dearly.

A Bronx native, Dennis was born on December 17, 1935, the youngest of Bella and Jacob Poller’s three children. After graduating from James Monroe High School, Dennis earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the City College of New York in 1957 and then went on to Cornell University for a PhD in chemical engineering in 1961. While studying chemical engineering at Cornell, Dennis met Merle, to whom he remained married for 64 years.

Dennis enjoyed a long and distinguished career at Exxon corporation, where he rose to become the head of Exxon Biomedical Sciences, Inc. (EBSI). He was admired by colleagues for his integrity, business acumen, scientific rigor, and compassionate mentorship. Following his retirement in 1996, Dennis did management consulting for Stevens Institute of Technology and served as an active board member of the United Way of Greater Union County and of the YMCA of Westfield, which gave him their Golden Man award for his board work and support of their institution.

Dennis generously supported many organizations, including The City College of New York, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Metropolitan Opera, the Westfield YMCA, veteran’s groups, and Temple Emanuel of Westfield.

Dennis loved the arts in all forms. He regularly frequented museums, classical music concerts and independent cinema. Dennis read great books and published his own creative writing. But more than all else, he enjoyed partaking in these experiences with loved ones. Dennis delighted in watching soccer with family and shared countless bottles of fine wine with friends. These moments brought Dennis great joy. His three grandchildren, a source of unending pride, could always count on their Grandpa to cheer on their sports teams, attend their recitals, and brag about their accomplishments.

To the end, Dennis valued hard work, kindness, and loyalty. He never lost his sense of humor. Dennis’s children and grandchildren will carry his colorful stories and jokes for years to come.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 12 PM at:

Robert Schoem’s Menorah Chapel, W-150 Rte 4, Paramus, NJ 07652

Graveside burial to follow at:

Riverside Cemetery, 12 Market St, Saddle Brook, NJ 07663

A celebration of Dennis’s life will be held at the home of Lisa Poller and David Silberstein after the burial. All are welcome.

36 Carol Court Glen Rock, NJ / 917.602.6985

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to:

The Grove School of Engineering of the City College of New York at

https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/engineering or the ACLU at aclu.org