UNION VALE – Leonard J. "Leo" Pellegrino, 89, died on December 26, 2019 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. He went to Heaven to join his wife, Roberta Rhea Ordan Pellegrino who predeceased him on September 7, 2017.

Born in Manhattan on April 5, 1930, he was the son of the late Leonardo John and Margaret (Ryan) Pellegrino. Leo got his first job when he was just 8 years old, helping to shine shoes on the corner of his block, where his Mom could see him from their window and later, rode on the ice truck making neighborhood deliveries in NYC. As a teen, he worked in the dining hall at the Presbyterian hospital as a short order cook.

As a young man, Leo was the only member of his family who had a car and would often go to Cohoes, NY with family and friends for evenings of dancing and visited his grandparent's country farm in Ulster County, NY. He often transported his family from the City to upstate for visits.

He proudly served in the Merchant Marines then the US Navy during WWII and the Korean Conflict. He was awarded a medal by the US Navy for his bravery and service. For a brief time early on, he utilized his cooking skills in the ship's mess, receiving high praise from his vessel's commander.

He was a project manager for the Steamfitters Union #638 in New York City. Leo was proud of his involvement powering up 32 of the original United States Search and Rescue bases. He liked to share stories from 'back in the day' when he was welding, sweating' pipes and even building giant vats in NYC production plants for hops and coffee. Through his own LJP Contracting, as well as other employers like, Arnold M. Diamond and Lufkin, Leo also estimated and ran major construction contracts at military bases in Philadelphia, PA; Rome, NY; Portsmouth, NH; and Pensacola, FL until his retirement.

An avid outdoorsman and sportsman, Leo enjoyed competitive shooting, big game hunting, snowmobiling, horseback riding, cooking and he especially loved being with his family. Leo was also a valuable member of the Union Vale Fire Department during the 1970s.

He was the world's greatest dad to his children, Denise Kantner, Ruth Cea, Andrew Guild, Leonara Pellegrino, Robert Pellegrino, Leah Struzzieri, and Jennifer Barbee. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Devon A. Struzzieri, Darren Cea, Racheal Cea, Richard Cea Jr., Lenny Pellegrino III, AJ Pellegrino, Nicholas Pellegrino, Eric Kantner, Bryan Kantner, Dale Kantner, Brandi Guild, and Kimberly Guild; and many great-grandchildren, including his newest, 7 month old, Logan. In addition to his wife and parents, he was also predeceased by his son, Leonard J. Pellegrino, II; his brother, Michael Pellegrino, and his sister Ann Pellegrino.

He had remained living in his home with his daughter, Leah and Kevin Murphy, on their horse farm, until his passing. He looked forward to visits with his longtime friends, Tom Turchyn and Lou Fico. He happily enjoyed the weekly company of the PONYSITTERS, the latest group of budding young equestrians on his family farm, JL Performance Horses.

Visitation will be held on Monday from 6-8 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction with a funeral service at 6:30 pm followed by military honors.

Donations may be made in Leo's memory to the veterinary clinic at the Dutchess County SPCA.

Please visit his Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.