Harry Peterzell Gelles

Harry Peterzell Gelles, a strong-willed man who lived well into his 91st year, has died. Born in New York in 1934 he lived an adventurous, well-traveled life. A series of strokes over the last few years constrained his life and travels but he kept on fighting his limitations till the end. Generous, resourceful, and sociable, Harry was a people person, beloved by friends and family.

While he grew up on the east coast, Harry later lived in Arizona, Southern California, and, for the last 40 years, in Santa Barbara County. Athletic as a youth, he surfed Waikiki in the 1950s and played soccer at Harvard College. Harry was entrepreneurial and a connector–he liked putting like-minded people together. After receiving his MBA he had a long and successful career working for different firms as an investment banker, corporate head hunter, and financial adviser. Retirement did not suit Harry and when he ended his career at Manchester Capital Management he was well into his mid-eighties.

Harry married Lyn Humphreys in 1956 and they had three children, Paul, Carrie, and Harrison. Harry and Lyn moved from Palos Verdes to the Santa Ynez Valley in the early 1980s. They divorced in 1988.

Harry then moved to Santa Barbara, where he met Gail Chamberlin. Harry and Gail Gelles were married for the next 36 years and she survives him. Along with his two sons, Paul and Harrison (Carrie died in 2015), and his stepchildren Ann and Russell Chamberlin, Harry is also survived by five grandchildren, Daniela, Darien, Sophia, Rhett, and Savannah.

Harry was often the life of the party, gregarious, and at times a prankster with his friends. His and Gail’s “Just for the hell of it” dance parties were legendary, appearing every few years and a much anticipated blast of fun. He traveled widely with Gail through Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Harry wasn’t afraid to try new things and in his 50s, he took up singing Barbershop Quartet, hang gliding, and boogie boarding. While he liked fine dining he had a strong affinity for McRib sandwiches. He had wide ranging interests in culture and music (especially Dixieland jazz), and he played tennis into his 80s.

Harry was an adventurous and determined individual–once he had set his mind on something it was hard to dissuade him. While in early recovery from his first stroke and against all advice from worried family members, Harry insisted on traveling alone to Central Mexico. With his cane, but knowing no Spanish, he made it through several mishaps and perilous situations. Several factors, but mostly the kindness of strangers, allowed him to return home in one piece.

Harry will be fondly remembered for this and his many other escapades in life.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice of Santa Barbara, 2050 Alameda Padre Serra UNIT 100, Santa Barbara, CA 93103