In Memory of

Robert

F.

Pellegrino

Sr.

Obituary for Robert F. Pellegrino Sr.

Watervliet – Robert F. Pellegrino, 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday February 24, 2022 at St. Peter’s Hospital. Born in Massena, NY he is the son of the late Juan and Clara (DeRushia) Pellegrino.

Robert proudly served our country in The United States Air Force during the Korean War. Upon returning from the war he married the love of his life, Mary LaBrake Pellegrino on August 18, 1956. They would go on to share 60 years of marriage until Mary’s passing in 2017. Robert continued to serve his country following discharge from the active duty military, traveling the world working for the National Security Agency as a civilian. He later taught Vocational Education at the Jefferson- Lewis BOCES in Glenfield. He loved his students, and was a well-loved, well-respected educator. An electrical specialist by trade, he also operated his own electrical business on the side. He was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church where he served on the Parish Council, as a Lector, and a Eucharistic Minister. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and The VFW Post in Boonville. Robert spent many years on the sidelines as the Statistician for the Adirondack Central Wildcats Football Team, a position he loved dearly. There was no bigger Wildcat fan. He especially enjoyed the post-game celebrations and dinners with his team. He also volunteered with the Boonville Youth Athletic Association, and was instrumental in the lighting of the Babe Ruth field. When he wasn’t working or supporting local athletics, he could be found feeding his chipmunk friends on the front stoop at home, or having breakfast at Slim’s. He was a hard worker, a wonderful provider for his family, a good friend to many, an animal lover, and an amazing father and husband.

For the last 5 years, he resided with his daughter Beth and dogs, Tiffany and Axel, in the Capital Region. Bob enjoyed going to the Troy Farmer’s Market, socializing at local establishments, having dance parties in the kitchen, and working on his electrical panels. He found great joy spending time with his dogs, being a drama Queen, and narrating Hallmark Movies. He especially LOVED football and spent Saturdays celebrating College Game Day. His favorite teams included the Oregon Ducks, and the Clemson Tigers.

Robert is survived by his children, Kevin (Dawn) Pellegrino, Robert (Daria) Pellegrino, Kent (Deidre) Pellegrino, Melanie (Ron) Agar, Beth Pellegrino (Axel), and Valerie (Charles) Pyle; his grandchildren, Kari Ann(Robert) Auerbach, Matthew Pellegrino, Jessica (Josh) McMillen, Katera (Will Gates) Pellegrino, Aiyana Pellegrino, Alex Agar, India Agar, Ian Wielgus and Isabella Wielgus. Also surviving are his siblings, Priscilla LaBrake, Freda (The late Robert) Basso, Karen Pellegrino and Dr. Eric (Susan) Pellegrino. He also leaves behind an extensive network of friends, friends who are family, and former students whose lives he touched.

In addition to his wife Mary, he was predeceased by his siblings, Elizabeth Abar and Ahlene Pellegrino. He was also predeceased by a host of family dogs, most recently by his partner in crime and protector, Tiffany.

The family would like to thank the medical teams at St. Peter’s Hospital, his nurses and aides who cared for him at home, Colonie EMS, The Eddy VNA at St. Peter’s, and the Sisters of the Presentation.

A private service for Robert will be held on Thursday March 3rd at St. Colman’s Chapel, 11 Haswell Rd. at 1:00 pm. Calling hours will be held on Friday March 4th at Mills Funeral Home, 301 Post St. Boonville, NY from 2pm-4pm, and 7pm-9pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Robert on Saturday March 5th at 11am at St. Joseph’s Church, 112 Charles St. Boonville. Interment will be held at a later date with full military honors. As per Robert’s request, please wear your football team gear to services.

Donations may be made to the Education Programs at St. Colman’s School, 11 Haswell Road, Watervliet, NY 12189, your local Humane Society, or the ASPCA.