Hall of Famer
Tom Patsalis died Wednesday night — two months after a stroke, reports coach
Mark Cleary, his friend and
SoCal Track Club teammate. Tom, who set more than than
two dozen world records in jumps and hurdles between age 52 and 70, was 92. “He had a stroke about 2 months ago and survived it,” Mark writes, “but was receiving hospice care for the last several weeks.His M60-64 world record still stands in the long jump. I will share the details of his memorial service once I have them. It’s interesting I took a side trip with Tom to St. Petersburg, Russia, on our way to Laiti, Finland for WMA Champs. He told me: ‘I think I will live to 103’ as well as he was doing. Then I really thought he would. I am especially sad because
Nolan [Shaheed] and
Carl Flowers and myself were planning to visit him at the end of this week and now he’s gone.” Tom ran for USC in the late 1940s, where one of his teammates was a skinny guy named
Mel Patton. He entered masters in the 1970s and competed
as recently as 2010. I, too, revered Tom. But my most vivid memories are watching him
dance with younger women at various athletes banquets. You’ll be missed for your love of fun, Tom, as well as the track.
16 Responses
Last Jump in the infinity sand box
Tom Patsalis was a wonderful guy, and I certainly enjoyed talking to him at the meets. He made the people around him happier because of his warm, delightful personality.
When I was young and thought that 60 was old, I used to tell people that Tom had jumped 19 feet, 11 inches (6.07 meters) at age 60. Now that I am older and think that 60 is young, I still think it’s amazing. And yes, that world record has stood up for 32 years.
You fought the good fight, Tom. We will miss you.
Tom was a wonderful friend and dedicated athlete. It was honored to know him as a friend and to be on the same track team with him. We both shared a passion for running and music and would spend and equal amount of time talking about both.
Everyone who knew tom will miss him greatly but those who knew him the most, will miss him the most.
Great video. Ken – thanks for including it.
I had many great conversations with Tom. I enjoyed listening his many track and field memories. Tom had competed in many events. And his Bob Beamon story was a great memory for Tom as well.
Tom passed away at his home in Alhambra, a suburb of Los Angeles, Mark Cleary confirms. He’ll update us on funeral services when details are known.
amazing is an understatement ,when watching what tom did with his life…i never met him, but as a student of track &field , i saw his name many times as world record holder.i smiled when i watched the video posted here..as an athlete and musician myself i related to it..may god continue to bless tom’s family, and may the world learn something from his life..
It was great to have known him and also some of his family. I wish everyone well during this time.
Tom’s memorial service will be this Thurs. August 7th at 10 am.
Holy Family Church
1501 Fremont Ave.
South Pasadena,CA 91030
Reception to follow
Please have anyone planning to attend e-mail me at runnermark@cox.net
Arlene his daughter would like me to let her know how many Track folks are coming.
Tom was amazing in all the things he has done over the years. I enjoyed talking with him and I am glad he was in our track club. I enjoyed spending time with him at the meets. He was a great friend. I will miss him.
I have known Tom since 1979 and in our years on Corona Del Mar and So Cal Track Clubs he was a great friend and role model for me. I always appreciated his advice and his humor and will miss him a great deal. I know he is getting ready for his next track meet with friends like Dave Jackson. Keep jumping guys!
I am indebted to our sport for allowing me to meet and befriend people like Tom Patsalis. About the only good memory I have of the 2006 Nationals in Charlotte was rooming with Tom in the dorms. In life, as in the sport, he offered an example we can all aspire to, if not achieve. I trust all who knew him share my gratitude. Thanks to his family for sharing him with all of us.
Tom will never come down now
What an inspirational life! I am glad I had the opportunity to be a teammate of his on SoCal Track Club. Thank you Tom for bringing a smile to every event you competed in.
Rest in peace Tom. Had the pleasure of meeting him – photographing and interviewing him for the Racing Age book project I am making about masters track & field athletes 60 and over- what a great man & awesome life. Would like to get in touch with his kids or grandkids. If anyone has contact info please share! Thanks to masters track for posting this great bio & video about his life.
I liked Tom a lot. He wasn’t very large, and he didn’t look extremely athletic, but he would explode off the board. I see from my post above (no. 2) that he jumped 19-11 at age 60. Amazing.
Oh, what did I like so much? Well, Tom had a very warm personality, and he never told you that he was better than you at the sport. Then he would go out and win.
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