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Harry Cordellos Obituary
November 28, 1937 - April 10, 2023
Harry passed away on April 10, 2023, at his home in Novato, CA at the age of 85. He is predeceased by his father Pete Cordellos, mother Myrtle Cordellos, brother Peter Cordellos and sister Nancy Belluomini. He is survived by brother Dennis Cordellos, sister Joanne Cordellos and longtime friends Mike McAviney and Mike Restani. Harry was born and raised in San Francisco. He graduated from George Washington High School and earned a Master's Degree from Cal State at Hayward.
From birth Harry had very limited vision. At 23 he became totally blind. He was admired around the world for his many accomplishments and work with the handicapped. Harry was a motivational lecturer.
He was a long-distance runner (logged over 50,000 miles), ran 154 marathons, finished the Iron Man Triathlon in Hawaii, was the subject of the movie "Survival Run" on the Dipsea race. He was a water skier, snow skier, golfer, bowler, and wind surfer. He finished the Golden Gate swim, and he performed in the Cypress Gardens water ski show in Florida.
He was an author, poet, and inventor. He loved roller coasters. Arrangements were made by Neptune Society. Per his wishes, there will be no services.
Harry will go out the Golden Gate one more time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harry Cordellos
John Butterfield
October 14, 2024
Just heard of Harry´s passing. I ran in tandem with him in a few marathons. We broke 3 hours in Boston Marathon in 1976 as I remember and Harry was ecstatic! We had many wonderful times together. Let´s run together again on those streets of Gold in Heaven after I get there! John Butterfield
Bill Schoolcraft
June 13, 2024
Harry lived on our block at 47th Ave and Cabrillo.
When I went to George Washington High School he used to catch the bus at the corner of 47th Ave. Nicest guy in the world
The Dingwall Family
June 26, 2023
Harry Cordellos was a fixture back when our family was active in the running community of the early 70's. He and our family's patriarch, Bruce, ran together frequently, training and racing. Often you might see them running 20-miler marathon training runs in Golden Gate Park on Saturday mornings, with Harry holding dad's arm (as a guide). Harry no doubt won many competitions against both sighted and disabled, alike. The runs would go by quickly as they both were talkers. The only race dad gratefully ever won was the Woodminster in the Oakland hills - where they were given a handicap of 15 or so minutes for the 9 mile, grueling, hilly, single-track trail course. Harry had an infectiously adventurous spirit. When we went to the Delta with some other running friends, he patiently helped teach us sighted kids to water-ski! The 6 foot, 200 or so pounder was a big kid, and occasionally would pull out his rendition of the Shaving Cream song (he often regaled travelers with at Camp Mather). Harry was a fierce swimmer, and at least once completed the Golden Gate Rough-water swim. The man was fearless - and inspired us when trying just about any sport conceivable. Harry loved amusement park roller-coasters, including PlayLand at the Beach and built a miniature rendition (complete with a ferris wheel and a merry-go-round) which he proudly displayed in his garage in Novato. As a smart navigator, riding on a bus or in a car, he could often tell what street we were on, just by counting the traffic signals, noticing elevation gain/loss, the position of the sun, or listening for cues/clues through the window. He could tell which spire we were at on the Golden Gate bridge by counting the bumps on the road. He was a good friend to our family, and the wider running community and we still grieve his loss....
Alice, Sylvia and Cammie
Matt Geis
June 4, 2023
I didn't know who he was 40 or so years ago, but I saw "Survival Run" on PBS when I was about ten. I didn't even know it was a local race, but it stuck in my mind. Then I saw it again several years later, and was struck by the beauty of the course and Harry's run. At that point, I knew I wanted to run the Dipsea. That video, and maybe to a larger degree Harry himself, moved me to run x-country (even if only for a year), and then get back into running in my adult years. I was stunned when many years later, at a DSE banquet, he was in attendance and I put together who he was. I'm happy I was able to thank him for his inspiration in steering me to running trails, and to running the Dipsea the one year I did it (1992). While I did not know him personally, he nevertheless contributed to my discovery of an activity that brings me joy, challenge, and calm in my life.
Terra Hardin
May 18, 2023
So very sad to hear of Harry's passing! I trained with Harry to get me in shape for running Marathons! He was a race horse! I also conversed with him in Spanish, and helped him with the language as we ran together. . he was usually off to a foreign land to speak on handicapped athletics, etc. A very honest, down-to earth person indeed!!!
Shirley Barksdale
May 9, 2023
Harry, "My Blind Date" how can I ever forget you and our YMCA adventures together. You have been an an inspiration to me for so many years. It was an honor and a blessing to have known you.
Hope to meet you again on the other side.
Sending loving thoughts and healing prayers to your friends and family.
Shirley Barksdale
Greek Imports in SF and Daly City now resinding in Greece... tsikni
May 3, 2023
I knew him since 1968 when I started workinh for Angelo Mountanos with the radio hour and the Eddy st. Store.
He was a mild man and polite. Never bragged about his role
and achievements in life and he let other people talk about
them. My condolences to his family and may God give rest to his soul!!! !!!
Brian Weston cherry
April 30, 2023
Harry hope to see you in heaven thanks for sharing your amazing life with us we miss you
Elias Tsiknis
April 30, 2023
Mey God give rest to his soul.
My condolences to his family.
Elias Tsiknis now in Greece.
Bob Darling
April 27, 2023
Harry was a special running friend. His strong will and determination was encouraging to all. He was a part of the early distance running boom in the 70´s along with Walt Stack,Sister Marion, Jack Leydig etc. He was outgoing, intelligent and witty.
Mike Koomas
April 23, 2023
I´m sorry I meant Dennis and Joanna helped Harry threw out his life, he wouldn´t have been able to do as well without them they were excellent siblings.
A fellow San Franciscan
April 22, 2023
This man was very inspiring. I did not know him but many times saw him running throughout S.F., particularly around Lake Merced holding another person by the elbow for guidance. Made me count my blessings. Thank you sir!
David Urbiztondo
April 22, 2023
Verse - I have a sad story to tell you, It may hurt your feelings a bit. Last night when I walked in my bathroom, I stepped in a big pile of.....Shhhhhhaving cream be nice and clean, Shave everyday and you'll always look keen. I first heard this song ' Shaving Cream' sung and played by Harry at Camp Mather on Talent Show Night. He had the whole camp singing the chorus. His performance left an indelible impression on me as a guitar camp fire player and I have been performing this song to the delight of kids ever since. Thanks for the memories. His brother Dennis was coincidentally inducted into the GWHS Athletic HOF wall alongside my brother Sid. May He Rest in Paradise especially after finishing the Iron Man Triathlon in Hawaii.
Mike Koomas
April 22, 2023
Sorry to hear that Harry passed away we ran together for over 20 years two times a week -we also went up Half Dome twice along with other activities. We eventually grew apart as friends but I have a lot of fun memories. Harry was very fortunate to have his brother Peter and sister they helped him all his life.
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