MILLBURY Mario J. Pellegrini, 82, of 14 Broadmeadow Ave., died Friday, June 1, at his home in Millbury. He leaves his son, James Pellegrini of Millbury; his brother, Anthony Pellegrini of Worcester, his two sisters, Gilda Alano of Bristol, R.I., and Tina Mele of Fort Lauderdale, FL; one grandchild

Courtney OKeefe; one great-grandchild, Roman; and nieces and nephews. His wife of 54 years Muriel C. Pellegrini; his brothers, Alfred and Pasquale Pellegrini of Worcester; and his sister, Mary Birtz of Worcester predeceased him. He was born in Worcester, son of Peter and Josephine (Martucci) Pellegrini, and lived there until 1956 when he and family moved to Millbury.

Mr. Pellegrini was a Stone Mason by trade, and was considered a master of his craft by the local construction community. He built walls, chimneys, and patios, but specialized in fine interior fireplaces, and was noted for his creative masonry. Able to perform all construction tasks, from framing to plumbing to electrical to finish work, his main pride was his house, which he rebuilt from the ground up. At age 78 he re-shingled his roof! At age 80 he was still climbing staging! He enjoyed several activities over the years including trips to the casino, gardening, cooking, swimming, crabbing at Cape Cod, video games, bowling, pool, practical jokes, and even Ping-Pong, but his passion throughout his life was ballroom dancing and big band music. His good nature and humor, appetite for food, and love of family and friends will always be remembered.

His funeral will be held Tuesday, June 5th from Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 Main St., Millbury, with a Mass at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1290 Grafton St., Worcester. Burial will be in private. Calling hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 4th in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Care Network, Inc. Development Office, 120 Thomas Street Worcester, MA 01608-1280. Condolence book and directions available at:

www.mulhane.com

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