David Vincent Pellegri

Beloved father, son, brother, godfather, and grandfather, David Vincent Pellegri, was unexpectedly sent home to heaven on April 20, 2024, at the age of 73. David was born on February 5, 1951, in Tracy, California, to his parents Stephen and Ida (Greene) Pellegri. He was the oldest of seven children: Kathleen (Kenneth), Richard (Gina), Darlene (Robert), Stephen (Tanya), Nanette (Clay), and Edward. He was a lifelong Tracy resident. He attended St. Bernard’s 1957 to 1964. He graduated from Tracy High School in 1969 where he followed in his father’s steps playing football and excelling in Future Farmers of America (FFA) raising pigs, later playing water polo and swimming.

Following high school, in 1969, David enlisted in the United States Marine Core, platoon 3159, based on Camp Pendleton, for six years, ensuring he can still be home each month to continue farming, between military duties. David was a patriot that took pride in leadership and serving his country as a veteran of the United States Marine Core. His patriotic diligence was just as strong as his diligence in the fields starting at a young age.

Born into an agricultural family, farming was in his blood. He maintained fields with precision, working around the clock. Bean harvest was his favorite time of the year. David could be seen on his orange bean harvesters harvesting acres by the thousands for weeks at a time, from Byron to Manteca and Vernalis to South Stockton. To him, it was not so much as a job, but rather a lifelong passion project that he nurtured and tended to each day to ensure the best turnout, not just for himself and Stephen Pellegri & Sons, but any other farmer in need of a helping hand. He was always willing to help other farmers, whether that was volunteering his time to finish harvesting their crops, in addition, to designing, engineering, and building agricultural equipment for them to have another successful season of crops. If anyone needed someone to weld equipment, David was the right man to do it. Each piece of equipment he built looked like it came straight out of a factory. His workmanship and expertise were unmatched and never short of perfection.

He was an avid outdoorsman, seeking new ventures and explorations. Skiing was an early passion and was on the ski slopes as much as possible when living and attending Columbia College in Columbia, California. His love for the mountains never dwindled with age, making sure to get night ski runs in each time and traveling to other states to expand his knowledge on forestry and weather forecasts to ensure the best times to go. There is nothing he loved more in the winter months than his skis slicing through fresh powder slopes.

David leaves behind his daughters and former wife, Shirley Pellegri. He was a devoted father to Cara and Alissa. He enjoyed taking family trips to Maui, Disneyland and Universal Studios, Squaw Valley, Florida, and weekend bike rides across the Golden Gate Bridge. David made sure to create experiences that we would never forget. As a grandfather, he made sure to do the same. He was a wonderful grandfather and loved spending time with his grandson, Kayden, taking part in attending his t-ball and soccer games. One of their favorite things to do together was to go to Bass Pro Shop and look at all the fish in the tank. It filled his heart with joy to know his grandson loved fish just as much as he did. It was no doubt, David was looking forward to taking Kayden on fishing trips and trips to the mountains. Kayden was his best little buddy.

David was a gregarious man to his soul, naturally leading him to be a member and generous supporter of many organizations, including Italian Catholic Federation (ICF) and St. Bernard’s Church. He also served on the Board of Directors for Reclamation District 2095 for ten years, as Trustee and General Manager. He enjoyed many hobbies including a licensed scuba diver for abalone, deer and duck hunting, archery, fishing, learning more of his Italian heritage, going to 49er football games, and going to as many Super Bowls he could attend. His zest for life will always be remembered as a testament to who he was.

Stories of friends will always echo in memory as they shared many moments together. They put the most infectious smile on his face and ensured he lived a great life. Breakfasts at Perko’s and morning coffee with the guys were the small things that gave him so much joy for the day. It was the same smile reflected when going to ICF dinners, football games, and learning about the process of making olive oil. His friends meant so much to him, never leaving them without more stories to share with his daughters. When he was with his buddies, it sure was a testament to how we should all live life – full of happiness, adventure, and delicious food.

Beyond his love for his hobbies and passions, he always prioritized his nieces and nephews. There were no shortcomings when it came to his dedication to be at basketball games, dance recitals, swim meets, award ceremonies, and State and County Fair for 4-H and FFA. His presence was joyous and full of life.

David leaves behind a loving family; Cara Ornellas (Pellegri), Nathan, Kayden, and Alissa Pellegri. His kindness, generosity, smile, and endless stories will be deeply missed. Fry Memorial Chapel, 550 South Central Avenue, Tracy is in care of funeral arrangements. A chapel service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, with a reception immediately following at the Portuguese Hall. He will be laid to rest privately at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery, Stockton, CA. Chapel services will be live streamed via his tribute page at www.frymemorialchapel.com for family & friends unable to attend. An online guest book is also available for condolences and special messages to the family.

In honor of David Pellegri, donations can be sent to St. Bernard’s Church or your favorite charity in his memory.

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