Over the past four decades, Harry Bellucci has become a familiar name in Hartford’s local sports coverage, often mentioned in headlines about his football team at Hartford Public High School, or the many achievements of the athletes he’s coached.
As his daughter, I saw the untold story of my dad's other achievement: how he rose from humble beginnings to become a local change-maker for Hartford-region youth.
The driving forces behind his journey were the Hartford Parks and Recreation Department, his friends and family, and his great coaches and teachers.
When he was 11 his father, a single parent with five young kids, moved them from Flatbush Avenue closer to their grandmother in Hartford's South End, where he gained access to organized sports, ultimately changing the direction of his life.
“There were a bunch of three family houses, and a million kids. So I immediately went outside and saw some guys playing street football and sat there and watched and before long, I was invited to join in the street football game. I still do things with all those guys that I met on Barker Street that day.”
Soon, my dad had his first opportunity to make a change. He and a friend founded the first swim team at Colt Park in Hartford at age 17. Later, he navigated his journey largely independently, working multiple jobs to finance his education at Central Connecticut State University. Today he acknowledges the invaluable support of his friends and their families who helped him.
"It makes me appreciate where I am now."
Understanding the struggles faced by many in his community drove his commitment to supporting Hartford's kids.
His first job in the Hartford school system began shortly after graduating from Central with a degree in K-12 Physical Education at the age of 23. While there, he had a chance encounter with his high school football head coach from Bulkeley High School, Peter Kokinis, during a game of touch football behind the school. Kokinis, recognizing his potential, offered him an assistant coaching position for the freshmen team. This opportunity, though predating his formal teaching role by a few years, marked the beginning of his coaching journey in Hartford.
“When I was deciding what I wanted to do, I knew that I wanted to do this. I want to do this, because it helped me so much,” he said. “I felt like I could help other kids in my same situation.”
Throughout his career, he primarily coached varsity football and swimming at Hartford Public, in addition to his roles as a pool director and physical education teacher.
After retiring, he hopped right back into dedicating his time to youth and sports, becoming the executive director of the Hartford Police Athletic League (PAL). The program gives disadvantaged youth access to athletic programs.
PAL offers free opportunities for economically disadvantaged youth, providing a range of activities including sports, education, STEM programs, culinary classes, tutoring, and mentoring in an effort to accommodate every child’s interest.
Looking ahead, Bellucci's goal is to expand PAL's offerings.
"Our mission is to give Hartford kids the same opportunities as their suburban counterparts, breaking down barriers."
To learn monroe about PAL or to donate visit Hartfordpal.org.