Obituary of Ab Pellegrini
Albert “Ab” Pellegrini
December 13, 1930 ~ April 21, 2022
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and loving grandfather Albert Rocco Pellegrini. Ab was born on December 13, 1930, in Saskatoon, SK to Amalia and Camillo Pellegrini.
Dad grew up in Saskatoon and attended St. Mary’s School and Technical Collegiate. He didn’t have a college education but was self-taught in many areas. Dad had a great work ethic, working hard, taking the initiative, and standing out above the rest. This provided many opportunities for him. As a young man in Saskatoon, Dad worked at the Southerland Park Drive-In managing the restaurant/confection. His strong work ethic was recognized and as a result he was promoted to work for Theatre Confections a division of Famous Players Theaters and moved to Winnipeg where he met the love of his life Joyce Crockett, they were married in 1956 and spent 60 beautiful years together before she passed in 2016.
Ab was promoted and transferred to Montreal as regional manager of Theatre Confections for Famous Player’s Theatres. In 1959, they were blessed with their daughter Joan, and soon after that in 1960 with Nancy. Dad and Mom enjoyed life in Montreal, but Dad longed for a simpler life. In 1962 he moved his family back to Saskatchewan and resided in Prince Albert to start a career with his brother George in the furniture business. Home Furnishings became Modern Home Furniture and lastly Leon’s Furniture franchise.
Dad wanted to fully embrace the simple life of Prince Albert and he and Mom bought a farm just north of the city. While running a furniture business, he also tried his hand at farming, raising chickens, goats and a few pigs, as well as horses, which he loved to ride. Shortly after moving to Prince Albert, Ab and Joyce’s two sons were born, Dean in 1963 and Randy in 1966.
‘The Farm’, as we all affectionally called it, was Dad’s pride and joy and he spent many hours gardening and endlessly maintaining the beautiful yard site. We have so many wonderful memories of the time spent there with our family. Summers were spent at Emma Lake, later in their life Mom and Dad bought a cabin at Waskesiu and enjoyed time with their friends, family, and favourite pastime of golf. Dad was actively involved with the Waskesiu Golf Club and supported the community in many ways.
Dad fully embraced life in Prince Albert. He was president of the Prince Albert Chamber of Commerce in 1973, a longtime member of Kinsmen Club and later K-40. He was very involved with the Prince Albert Raiders and instrumental with ‘Bring Back the Magic’ campaign. Dad was an active member of the Prince Albert business community and was driven to see Prince Albert flourish.
While running Modern Home Furniture, Dad, along with other independent furniture store owners created a volume independent purchasing group called VIP, allowing greater purchasing power for small independent furniture stores. Years later, he left VIP to align the store with the first Leon’s franchise in Western Canada. He eventually sold the business to his sons Dean and Randy. He was passionate about the business and always remained a trusty advisor to the boys and interested in the daily goings on.
Mom and Dad travelled extensively and saw many parts of the world. One of the highlights of their travels was visiting Italy where he connected with many of his relatives. Mom and Dad enjoyed spending winters in San Diego and Palm Springs where they met with friends, opened their door to family and enjoyed many hours of golf.
We are so blessed that Dad lived such a full and active life almost to the day he died. He loved and valued family life and was the pillar of our family. He will be missed but so fondly remembered and loved for his strength, love, and words of encouragement. He was incredibly positive and was grateful for all life provided for him in health and family.
Ab was predeceased by his wife, Joyce Pellegrini (nee Crockett); parents Camillo and Amalia Pellegrini; brother George Pellegrini; and sister Lena Silvernagle (nee Pellegrini).
Ab will be lovingly remembered by his children:
daughter, Joan (Wayne) Janzen and family Luke Robinson, Meghan Robinson, Dylan (Ryan) and Elle Robinson, Leslie (Shawn) Averie, Aydin Stevenson, Randy (Ryan) Lincoln, Parker Yuzdepski and Robert Janzen,
daughter, Nancy Pellegrini and family Alexandra, Pierre and Lily Beck, Jessica Beck, Kaitlin Beck and Jonathon Pellegrini,
son, Dean (Wendy) Pellegrini and family Tyler, Meadow Pellegrini, Jas (Meghan Lyons) Pellegrini, Raina Pellegrini,
son, Randy (Debra) Pellegrini and family Breanna Pellegrini, Azzaria Pellegrini, and Talia Pellegrini.
Ab is also survived by his sister Maria (George) Specht and family, brother Ron (Yvonne) Pellegrini and family, his beloved sister-in-law Joan Winterton and family; as well as many other family members, nieces, nephews, and friends that will remember him fondly.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the Good Shepherd Care Home especially Pat Chuey and staff of House 3 for the excellent care they provided for Dad.
In lieu of other tributes, donations in Ab’s memory can be made to the Kidney Foundation of Saskatchewan, 2217 Hanselman Court – Ste 11, Saskatoon, SK S7L 6A8 or Charity of one’s choice.
Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 13, 2022 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, 1401 4th Avenue West, Prince Albert, SK Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ab
Pellegrini 1930 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Prince-Albert, Province: Saskatchewan