Richard Pellegrine

Richard Pellegrine, of Mansfield, 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, graduating from Middletown High School in 1954 and New Britain State Teacher's College (CCSU) 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 in order to begin teaching 7th & 8th grade Social Studies in Coventry. When Nathan Hale Middle School opened, Dick chose to stay at the High School - teaching 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, serving first in the Cromwell Fire Department and then the Eagleville Volunteer Fire Company. 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. In addition to serving on many committees of the town, he committed 30 years serving first as a member of the Board of Education and finally as a Councilman. Richard Pellegrine is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carol, his three children Clifford (Ann) of Forest Park, GA, Debra Dioguardi (Glenn) of Tampa, FL and Pamela of Coventry and his three beloved grandchildren Shane, Amanda and Gillian. Richard's commitment to service was his motto - to his family, to his students and to his community. Above all, Richard Pellegrine loved to teach. Richard's family will greet friends and family at Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic, on Friday July 20, 2012 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Memorial Service celebrating Richard's life will be held at the Storrs Congregational Church, North Eagleville Rd. on Saturday July 21, 2012 at 1:00 pm. 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. For online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .