Richard Pellegrine Sept. 15 1935 – July 5 2012

Richard Pellegrine of Mansfield, CT

Richard Pellegrine, of Mansfield, CT passed away on July 5, 2012 after a long, courageous struggle with COPD. Dick was born on Sept.15, 1935 in Middletown, CT, the son of Margarite Spencer and Orlando Pellegrine. He grew up in Middletown and Cromwell, CT and graduated from Middletown High School in 1954 and New Britain State Teacher’s College (now Central Connecticut State University) in 1958.

He began teaching Junior High School Social Studies and Geography in his hometown of Cromwell upon graduation.

In 1964, he and his young family moved to Mansfield, CT in order to begin teaching 7th and  8th-grade Social Studies in Coventry, CT.

When Nathan Hale Middle School opened in Coventry, Dick chose to stay at the High School and taught Modern Problems, Geography, Civics, U. S. and World history and Youth and the Law. He also taught and became the Director of Driver Education, thus teaching most of the students in Coventry how to drive!

Dick was a dedicated volunteer fireman. He first served in the Cromwell Fire Department and then the Eagleville Volunteer Fire Company in Mansfield. Dick served as president of the EFD for many years.

Dick also believed in serving his town and made certain that all people in the town of Mansfield were represented. He served on many Mansfield committees over a 30-year period, including as a member of the Board of Education and finally as a member of the Town Council.

Richard Pellegrine is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carol; his three children Clifford (and his wife Ann) of Forest Park, GA, Debra Dioguardi (and her husband Glenn) of Tampa, FL and Pamela of Coventry; and his three beloved grandchildren Shane, Amanda and Gillian.

Dick’s commitment to service was his motto – to his family, to his students and to his community. Above all, Richard Pellegrine loved to teach.

Dick’s family will greet friends and family at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195), Willimantic, on Friday, July 20, 2012 from 5 to 8 p.m.

A Memorial Service celebrating Dick’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 21 at the Storrs Congregational Church, North Eagleville Road (UConn campus).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Coventry Scholarship Foundation – Dollars for Scholars, 78 Ripley Hill Road, Coventry, CT 06238

Posted July 19, 2012

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