Joe Pellegrini

Joe (Giuseppe) Pellegrini of Roseville, CA passed away on April 15, 2023. Joe was born on February 8, 1930 to Vincenzo and Antonia Pellegrini, in Ruvo di Puglia, Italy. He was a highly skilled electrician who learned his trade in Italy, and at the age of 27, moved to South Africa to help build a power station, remaining there for 12 years. He had many fond memories of his time there, and was known by his African co-workers as “Morongo” or boss. He was adept at learning languages and became fluent in Afrikaans and English.

Joe was an adventurer, and lived in many places including Italy, Africa, Australia, England, Canada and various places in the U.S. Our running family joke whenever a place was mentioned, was that Joe had lived there for 6 months. He had even been to Timbuktu!

When Joe met Julie in 1976, a love story began and San Jose, CA became his home. They have been married for nearly 43 years. Joe loved his time with family, and treasured his nieces Amy and Danielle, and later their families including 5 nephews and nieces. That pull brought Julie and Joe to Roseville. He was affectionately known as Jojo by his family.
Joe loved soccer, fishing, cooking and especially playing bocce. He won many bocce awards and medals. He was also a member of SIR Branch 98.

Joe was energetic, free-spirited, and always thought of himself as young and ready for adventure. He loved to travel, especially to his favorite spot, Maui.

Visitation and Mass – Tuesday, May 2, 2023, 10 am Calvary Funeral Center
7100 Verner Avenue, Citrus Heights, CA 95621

Donations appreciated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, stjude.org/donatetoday