Half Moon Bay and the greater Peninsula mourns the loss of Peter James Harames who passed away on May 5, 2026, at 80 years of age. Beloved husband of Tamara Harames, loving father to Ty Harames and Brett Harames, adored grandfather to James Harames, and cherished brother to Kathleen Caceres and Debra Knecht. A legendary high school coach and history teacher for more than four decades, Peter leaves an enduring legacy of unceasing dedication, incomparable honesty, and selfless mentorship shaping generations of students and student-athletes into productive responsible members of their communities.
Revered for his resolute commitment to the fundamental values of hard work, discipline and personal integrity, Coach endeavored to instill these same transcendent principles in those who were fortunate to have him as teacher or coach. In that way, Pete was far more than a fantastic educator or a great coach. He was in all ways a leader, pointing the way through exemplary conduct and virtue, to serve as lifelong guiding lights for all of whom were fortunate to learn from him.
Most know Pete as “Coach.” Coaching was his life-long passion. He loved it not because of an affinity for particular sport, but because of his love of those who played for him. In sum, for his entire career, Coach strived to forge championship caliber individuals through the collective team-oriented pursuit of championships on the court or field. Notwithstanding his wide renown amongst former players, opponents (and referees alike) for a penchant to verbally express his zest for athletic competition at elevated volumes, all understood that it was a manifestation of a righteous indignation, true to him and never artificial or performative. Coach’s tremendous enthusiasm for competition derived from his love and duty owed to his players. A great joy of his life was receiving calls or visits from former players, reminiscing about the past, discussing their life successes, or assisting them to navigate varied life events and difficult challenges of the present.
If one could personify zealous humility, it was Pete. He treated every person he encountered with respect, whether it was an opposing coach, an unpaid team manager and any and every person in between, he was the same – sincere, affable and forthright. Through this disposition, Pete was venerated by all who knew him, with the possible exception of referees (perhaps due his oft underappreciated skill of pinpoint throwing accuracy with chalk).
Above all else, Pete was solemnly devoted to his family. Always prioritizing meaningful time with his children, nieces, nephews, and grandchild, he supplied invaluable wisdom to all family members throughout his life. Pete was a committed husband who felt endless love for his wife, Tamara. Although he touched many lives in his community, nothing meant more to Pete than the love he had for his family.
Preceded in death by his parents, James and Lois Harames. Peter was native of San Francisco and graduate of San Francisco State University, Class of ’68, an Infielder for San Francisco State University Baseball 1965-1968. A marathon athlete completing six in his lifetime, including the Boston Marathon. Public servant for nearly 50 years and a resident of San Mateo County for 70 years. Peter will be sorely missed by his family and community.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.