Harry Pellow, aka The Maestro is gone

[HarryD]

I hate to pass this one, but I think it's appropriate:

Harry Pellow passed away Tuesday at the age of 57 due to heart failure. This man has done more for the 356/912 community than most anyone.

His books, the engines he built, and the many people he met will be his legacy.

Personally, when I was starting to fan my interest in getting a Porsche, he was one of the first I contacted for advice (912's and 356's). Even though I decided for the two extra cylinders, I feel his loss.

[pwd72s]

That is sad news...

This is terrible news. I talked to Harry 3 years ago when I was thinking of a 912. What an articulate, intelligent and generous man. He willingly gave advice and council to a perfect stranger who was 1500 miles away. He will be missed.

[GIBSON]

Sorry to hear the news. He was a unique individual. I bought a Pellow engine for a '59 sunroof coupe several years back. Still runs great. There won't be another like him.

[Les Paul]

When I bought my 356 11 years ago the po included one of the Maestros books. I was hooked. I got all his books. He was one serious 356 guy. I had him build me the ultimate 356 engine 7 years ago. It is a jewel. I talked to him numerous times and he was the ultimate pro. Harry, we'll KEEP THE FAITH for you.

[mwbaum]

I was truly shaken when I heard this news this week. Harry was a unique and colorful character, and a very important figure in the 356/912 world. He helped me on several occasions...and he will be greatly missed

[targa80]

The 356/912 community has truely lost an icon. I never had the pleasure of meeting the man But I have his books and have read many of his articles. Maestro you will be missed and we will keep the faith

[Doug Zielke]

That makes me very sad.
I have all his books and tapes, and when I was looking for a 356, he put up with a multitude of my (stupid) questions. Rest in peace, Maestro.

[Tinker]

I too am saddened to hear of Harry`s passing. I read most of the Maestro`s book after my sister bought her first Porsche, a 356 SC.

I enjoyed his tales of racing his 356`s on the grapevine, being chased by the CHP, applying for a plates (o0o0o0) at the DMV and all the secrets to making that flat four pure.

He was a character and will be missed.

God bless the Maestro.

Tinker

[widebody911]

Back in the "PorschePhiles" days, I met him at a swap meet here in Sacramento. He had a very low-key swap setup, a contrast to his fame in the community; I identified him by the beautiful 356 engine he had with him.

[zotman72]

I remember Pellow from Porschephiles as well. There were some serious firefights between Harry and others on the list. Quite memorable and caustic. The world of Porsche fanatics has lost one of the charter members.

[ChrisBennet]

Jerry Seinfeld was one of Harry's customers I believe. I always wondered if the "Maestro" character in some "Seinfeld" episodes was related.
-Chris

[dougcl]

I regret not having picked up the phone and thanking him like I thought to do so many times after laughing out loud while reading one of his stories. I never met him, but it feels like I lost a friend.

Doug
75 911S

[mwbaum]

Some nice tributes here...

http://www.356registry.org/harry.html

[Targa Dude]

Wow.. thats a bummer.. I have met him on a couple of occasions. Great guy easy to talk to and he new his stuff. My brother inlaw has one of his motors in his 356C. He will be missed in our community.

Jorge (Targa Dude)

[barlowdo]

I purchased his books a long time ago to rebuild my 912. I snail mailed him back then with questions and was very impressed with how helpful he was. At the time I didn't even know he was from Binghamton, NY. Than one day I got reading "Some of his stories" and it dawned on me he was talking about Vestal Parkway and Harpur College which are some local landmarks across the river from Binghamton. After that I got to know him pretty well thru Email and common friends. It is a small world and it just got smaller.

Here is the Obituary from the home town where he and I grew up.


Harry Pellow
formerly of Vestal



Harry Pellow, entered into rest in Cupertino, Calif., March 25, 2003, at the age of 57. He was a graduate of Vestal HS in 1963; one of few students to achieve a perfect 800 on SAT. Graduated MIT in 1967, received MS in 1968. Began working for GE Nuclear Energy Division in 1968 upon moving to Calif. Moved to Cupertino in 1976 and became master Porche engine restorer and notable speaker. He is survived by his wife, Mary; and his sons, Andrew and Dennis. His other family members include mother, Betty Pellow, Vestal, N.Y.; aunt, Rita Pellow, Endicott, N.Y.; brother, Wayne Pellow and family, Petaluma, Calif.; and aunt, Elsie North, Lancaster, Ohio.

[masraum]

I never met him, but I had heard of him. I went to his website and read all of the stories there. I have always thought that someday I wanted a 356, but after reading the stories and feeling his enthusiasm I want one now.

I would have loved to have met him. People like that are a treasure a gem, maybe in the rough, but with all of the color and brilliance anyway.

[Les Paul]

After I read secrets of the inner circle I knew I had to have him build me one of his sleepers. I sent it to him in 3 boxes instead of on a pallet like I should have. One of the boxes got smashed up and some parts were damaged beyond repair. He called me when they got to him and kind of chewed on my dumb ass for packing it all so carelessly. I knew he was really only kidding and we talked for 30 minutes on his dime about just what it was I wanted this engine to do. He would send me updates and when it was finally finished he called and told me it was on its way. When I got it there was oil all over the crate. The shipping company had dumped it upside down and the fan shroud was twisted up, the air filter on one bank of the Webers was torn off etc etc. I called him and he ripped into the "fools" at the shipping company. I was rolling on the floor. So I ship it back and have him do even more "stuff" to the innards I should have done the first time. About a month later I get it back plug her in and crank her off. It stuttered, stumbled, bumbled, spat back through the carbs a few times then settled down to the coolest purr imaginable. The wait had been worth it. Of course I had to break it in just the way he told me to on the list he sent back with the engine. When I finally got those break in miles she revved like a motorcylce. That car is a joy to drive. He told me it should put out around 125 horse and asked me if I was going to race it or drive it. Just out of curiosity I took it to a dyno place and it puts out 118 at the rear wheels. Not bad for and engine that idles at 750 rpm's.

[tiorio]

Sad news indeed. You know that he's up there arguing the merits of the cab vs. speedster with the big guy right now.

Keep the 356 faith!

[GIBSON]

I didn't see this posted anwhere else so I'll send it along. I know his family would like to see as many of his Porsche fans and friends at the funeral as possible.

"We have been overwhelmed by the wonderful thoughts and sentiments expressed in private e-mails, this forum and on the Registry web site.

In response to your inquiries:
For those that are in the area and have the time to bring their cars by:
Memorial Services will be at: The Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos 22555 Cristo Ray Dr., Los Altos, CA 94024, Tel: (650)428-3730. two o'clock, Friday, April 11th
Perhaps it would be fitting for those driving their beloved 356/912s to meet at the adjacent Rancho San Antonio Park and then have a Porsche Parade to the Memorial--Harry would be amazed!


For those that cannot attend, but have requested information on where to send gifts etc: Please, in lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to MIT for the
Harry Pellow Memorial Fund:
Office of Memorial Gifts
E19-439, MIT
77 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307


Again, thank you,
The Maestro's Kin