William Pellegrino

William Pellegrino, age 92, passed away unexpectedly on December 4th. William was born May 13, 1929 in Calabria, Italy. His parent's had an olive farm that he helped at when he was old enough. The farm was several miles from the beach, but he and his friends would walk there when they could and enjoyed swimming in the ocean. At age 15, William came to America on a boat by himself. He wanted to join his father who worked in the coal mines of West Virginia. Eventually, his Dad saved enough money for the whole family to move to America. When William and his brother, Nicholas were old enough they opened a tailoring shop to help with expenses.

William joined the Army March 27, 1951. This was during the Korean War. He served in Europe during this time. His tour ended February 20, 1953. He then transferred to the reserves for 5 years.

William met the love of his life, Susan at a community dance. After a short courtship, they married February 19, 1954. Children quickly followed. William missed living by the ocean as he had as a child. He and Susan packed up their family and moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1958. He became a certified public accountant and managed an Italian restaurant for the majority of his career.

Sundays were family days. William and Susan would take their children to church then pack up the car and head to the beach for the day. Once back from the beach, a homemade Italian spaghetti dinner would follow.

Every year, William and Susan would take a two week vacation with their children to visit all their relatives in West Virginia and Ohio. It was a wonderful time full of special memories. The food was delicious as both William and Susan had excellent cooks in the family.

In retirement, William enjoyed volunteering at church, gardening, walking, beach activities and visiting his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also, William was a pet lover. He had quite the assortment of dogs and cats over the years. He enjoyed his grand dogs and grand cats, too.

William was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Susan, his loving parents Vincenzo and Domenica, his sister Rosina, his brother Nicholas.

Survived by: Children Vincent (Andrea) Pellegrino, Domenica (John) Corradini and Linda Pellegrino; Grandchildren Joseph Corradini, Nicole Corradini, and Nicholas Pellegrino; Great-grandchildren Jaxon Corradini and Rylan Corradini; Sister-n-law Anna Pellegrino; Nieces Carmela Pulice and Vinnie (Tony) Bonanno.

William will be greatly missed, but we know he is very happy to be reunited with Susan again. They are both with the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to The Alzheimer's Association.

Visitation is Monday, December 13, 2021 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, Winter Park Chapel.

Mass of Christian Burial is Monday, December 13, 2021 at 10:30 am at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Winter Park, FL.

To share your memories of William or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.