Sad News - Harry Bartolomei

**Joe J** · 08-08-2006

CASTRO VALLEY — An 80-year-old man died Monday after his gun accidentally discharged while he was cleaning it.

Harry Bartolomei of Castro Valley was cleaning his .45-caliber pistol in the parking lot of the Anthony Chabot Gun Club, 9999 Redwood Road, when the gun inadvertently fired, said Lt. Dave Dubowy, an investigator for the East Bay Regional Park District police.

The incident was reported at 3:17 p.m. When Alameda County Fire Department paramedics arrived at the scene, they found Bartolomei lying behind his parked pickup truck with a single gunshot wound to the head, Dubowy said.

Bartolomei was pronounced dead at the scene.

East Bay Parks Detective Sgt. Dale Davidson said his office has closed its investigation into Bartolomei's death because there was no evidence of criminal activity.

"We're satisfied at this point that it was purely an accident — an unfortunate accident," Davidson said. "There's no other reason to keep the case open. ... Based on everything we've learned, it was his hobby, and he went there to enjoy the afternoon."

A woman who identified herself as Bartolomei's wife declined to comment when approached by The Daily Review at her Castro Valley home. "We're not news, we're not news," she said.

However, the accident that led to Bartolomei's death underscores the need to use caution when handling firearms.

**Ron Hill** · 08-08-2006

I'll bet he dropped the mother...

I was talking about Harry, just yesterday...I had said that even though Harry sponosred me, he always treated me like a BROTHER....

I'm sorry I missed the funeral...

**Master Oil Racing Team** · 08-09-2006

Harry had bought all of our stuff when we quit and I had planned on talking to him about our old D motor and the hydros. Sam had E mailed me his phone number a few months ago. I learned this lesson once before, but still did not heed it. Don't put off calling. Do it or it may be too late. Very sorry to hear about his passing.

**Joe J** · 08-09-2006

Per Harry's wishes, there will be no funeral. there may be a memorial service, but so far nothing has been planned.

As soon as Teri and I hear something, we will post it here.

Joe

**Fred Hauenstein** · 08-10-2006

This is truly a loss to boat racing and its history. Harry was a great innovator in PRO category racing. I learned a lot by racing against him and listening to him talk about racing, props, set-ups, driving and anything else.

Harry loaned me the prop with which I won the John Ward Trophy race in 1968 (and he sold it for $300 in the inspection area following the race - when these props were $60 new).

I used to enjoy watching him race DOH (700H) in the old days. Lots of stories came from his DOH competition with Billy Jack Rucker, Sr.; and everyone watched each time the two took to the course.

Harry and I "bumped" boats quite a few times in CRR and DRR in the early '60s; and I always learned something.... But he always was there to help out and advise.

Rest in Peace Harry. We will remember.

Fred Hauenstein

**jrome** · 08-10-2006

I was lucky to be able to go to two world championships .Harry had a team at both races in England and Italy. We all had alot of fun with Harry. Harry was a great supporter of world class racing as well as local racing.The boat racing family will miss Harry.