Theresa "Tessie" Pellegrini

Youngstown - Theresa “Tessie” Pellegrini, age 79, of Poland, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, May 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Youngstown, Ohio to Bruno and Theresa Zappia, Tessie was a proud graduate of Struthers High School. She spent her life devoted to her family and her community. After 29 years of service at Poland Seminary High School, she retired, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, compassion, and care.

Tessie was the beloved wife of Lino Pellegrini, with whom she shared 58 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they were a strong and loving presence in their family and church community, attending countless events and gatherings over the years.

She was a devoted mother to her son Joseph Pellegrini and his wife Lisa of Cleveland, and to her cherished daughter Pamela Ann Pellegrini, whom she championed with unwavering love and commitment. Tessie was also a proud and adoring grandmother to Julian and Noah, never missing one of their soccer games.

She is survived by her loving sister, Angelica and her husband, James, who were a constant source of support and joy throughout her life, as well as her nephew, Jimmy (Danielle) Barber, great niece, Capri and great nephew, Marino of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Tessie loved her home and found great joy in hosting holiday dinners, especially her much-loved Christmas Eve brunch shared with close friends. She was an avid gardener who nurtured her flowers and ferns with pride, and found peace and spiritual connection on her long neighborhood walks, where she felt closest to nature and God.

She will be remembered for her deep faith, generous heart, and lifelong devotion to her family.

Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Tessie on Wednesday evening, May 21, 2025 from 6 to 8pm at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home of Boardman, 4221 Market Street.

A Mass of Christian burial will on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 11am at Holy Family Parish, 2729 Center Road Poland, OH 44514, with Rev. Gerald DeLucia presiding. All guests are asked to arrive directly to the church.

Burial will be in Poland Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association of Youngstown.

Tessie’s love was the heart of her family, and her legacy will live on in the lives she touched.

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