Thomas J. Pellegrino died unexpectedly on May 9, 2023 at Pleasant Bay Nursing Center in Brewster. The cause was complications of cardiac and circulatory disease, said his son. A lifelong resident of Wellfleet, Tom was 78.
He was a 1963 graduate of Nauset High School. After high school, Tom joined the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1965 to 1969 during the Vietnam War. Stationed in South Korea, he rose to the rank of sergeant.
After leaving the service, he returned to Wellfleet and opened a gas station on Route 6 called Pellegrino’s Gulf where he started his career as an auto mechanic. Tom spent many years doing what he loved: working on cars. He was also a call firefighter in Wellfleet in the 1970s and ’80s. In later years, he gave up the gas station and became a handyman, offering home-watch services to many local residents.
Being a native Cape Codder, Tom loved surf-cast fishing for striped bass and bluefish in the summer. He also loved driving on the beach at Race Point in Provincetown, where he spent happy times with family and friends, enjoying a beer and sitting by a fire.
Tom was an avid Boston sports fan; the Red Sox and Patriots were his favorites. He also enjoyed listening to classic country music.
Tom is survived by his father, Joseph Pellegrino of Wellfleet, who will turn 100 on July 4. He also leaves his brother Norman and wife Linda, brother Joseph and wife Linda, and sister Marie and wife Cathan, all of Wellfleet; and his son, Thomas C. Pellegrino, wife Rachael, and grandchildren Leila and Thomas, of Harwich.
Tom was predeceased by his mother, Irene Pellegrino.
“He was a good man who treated people kindly and a loving father, grandfather, son, and brother,” said Tom, his son. “We love you, Dad. Till we meet again, continue looking over us.”
A wake will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 15 at the Nickerson Funeral Home, 340 Main St., in Wellfleet.
