Thomas P. Pellegrini

Thomas Pellegrini, 71, a lifelong resident of Exeter, peacefully entered eternal life on December 18, 2024, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Twp.,  surrounded by his family’s love.

He was born on September 1, 1953, to the late Elliot (Ace) and Eleanor Hudock Pellegrini. Tom attended St. John’s High School, graduating in the Class of 1971, and proudly earned his degree in American Government and Politics from King’s College in 1975.

From an early age, Tom was a dedicated worker. He spent his childhood delivering newspapers from the back of a delivery truck, and it was during this time that he first saw his future bride, Jo-Ann Barletta Pellegrini, knowing immediately that he would marry her one day. He was right: they married on September 4, 1982, and shared 42 beautiful years together.

After graduating from college, he was employed by NEPA Alliance as Vice President of Business Development Services before retiring in 2017 after 40 years of dedicated service to the improvement of his region and community.

Tom was the very best: strong in his faith, humble, unwaveringly kind, and selfless. He was an avid Penn State fan, a voracious reader, a legendary car-roof drummer, and a lover of music, the beach, and, above all, time spent with his family. Together with Jo-Ann, Thomas welcomed three children: Elena, Chris, and Sarah. He often coached youth sports and loved watching his children play and perform. While he was a dedicated dad, he was an even better grandfather and was entirely devoted to his grandchildren, who were the absolute light of his life.

Left to cherish Tom’s memory are his wife, Jo-Ann; his children: Elena Knepper and her husband, Jonathon, of Exeter; Thomas Christopher Pellegrini and his wife, Ashley, of Exeter; and Sarah Pellegrini and her husband, Dustin Goff, of Forty-Fort. Missing their Grampy are Mea and Nora Knepper, and Madelyn and Nico Pellegrini, all of Exeter.

Tom is also survived by his siblings: Ann Marie Smutko, Georgia Hogan (John), Andrea Zaborny (Brian), and Larry Pellegrini (Mary-Claire), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Mary Ann Rome, and brothers-in-law Ronald Rome, John Smutko, and Michael Vacula. He was also greeted in heaven by many beloved family dogs, especially Tucker, his loyal companion.

A devoted Catholic, Thomas was a member of St. Anthony's Church, Exeter.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Thomas’s Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony's Church 224 Memorial St., Exeter. The Rev. Paul McDonnell, O.S.J. will be celebrant.

 Visitation will be held prior to Mass from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Entombment will be in Mount Olivet Mausoleum.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Geisinger ICU care team for their exceptional care and comfort during this difficult time.

Gubbiotti Funeral Home, LLC, 1030 Wyoming Ave., Exeter has been entrusted with assisting the family during this difficult time.

To send the family an expression of sympathy or an online condolence, please visit www.gubbiottifh.com

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