Arthur C. Pellegri 86, retired Franklin Police Chief died Monday October 16, 2006 at Milford Regional Medical Center where he had been a patient for 2 weeks. He was the husband of the late Frances V. (Hanson) Pellegri, who died in 2003.
Born in Franklin, October 9, 1920 a son of the late late Robert and Gertrude (Dumas) Pellegri he was a lifelong town resident. He was educated in Franklin public schools and was a 1938 graduate of Franklin High School, where he excelled in varsity football & basketball. He also attended Dean Jr. College in Franklin.
He served in the US Army during WWII. Stationed in the South Pacific theater he attained the rank of Sgt. As a member of the Military Police, he was awarded the Asia-Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in January 1946 after more than 4 years of service.
He was appointed to the Franklin Police Department in 1946. He was promoted to Sgt. In 1948 and was made chief in 1950. He served in that capacity for 31 years, until his retirement in 1981.
He was noted for his assistance to young people, who may have committed minor crimes and always came to their defense whenever possible. Always the consummate law enforcement officer, he was known as the finest police prosecutor at Wrentham District Court. Upon his retirement in 1981, a party was held in his honor at the former King Philip Ballroom in Wrentham, more than 1800 persons attended, it was at that time the largest gathering ever held at that facility. One of the local newspaper stated at the time: “Chief Pellegri has given his entire life to his community and it’s citizens. If the criteria for a successful life as some famous authors have stated is that a person leave the world just a little bit better, or to help someone who is lost to find his way, then indeed Chief Pellegri, has been successful.
His daughter Linda said “He was a extremely generous giving person. As far back as I can remember, he was always helping people. People were always calling him for advice. On Sunday mornings on Ruggles St. where I grew up, there would be 2 or 3 cars lined up waiting to talk to my dad, about problems they were having.”
He served on a number of town boards and comities. He was a member of Scared Heart Council Knights of Columbus in Franklin, The Mass. Police Chiefs Assoc., the International Police Chiefs Assoc., the New England Police Chiefs Assoc., Franklin Post #3402 VFW, the American Legion, the DAV, the Franklin Senior Citizens, the Franklin Rod & Gun Club, and was a former member of the Franklin Lodge of Elks. He served as chairman for the WWII monument committee on the town common, and was a longtime member and former chairman of the Franklin Housing Authority. He also served on the Franklin Town Council and was for several years it’s chairman. He was also chairman for the annual Jimmy Fund, March of Dimes and the Police Christmas Fund.
He is survived by a son Arthur C. Pellegri Jr. and his wife Penny of Ware, MA a daughter Linda L. Anderson and her husband Bruce of Franklin, 1 sister Louise Brown and her husband Raymond of Franklin, 4 grandchildren; Craig Miller and his wife Tammy of Bellingham, Robert Pellegri of Ware, MA., Jessie L. Pellegri of Amherst, MA., and Andra Pellegri, also of Wrae, MA., 2 step-grandchildren; Brian Anderson of Franklin and Lori Kral and her husband Christopher of Plainville. 3 great-grandchildren; Skylor Miller of Laciona, NH., Gracie Miller of Bellingham, Jacob Drohan of Bourne and several nieces and nephews.
He was also the grandfather of the late Kevin S. Miller who died in 2005.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Thursday October 19, 2006 at 9:15AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. with a funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church at 10AM. Private interment will take place at North Purchase Cemetery in Attleboro.
Calling hours are Wednesday October 18, 2006 from 4-8PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donations in his memory sent to DARE c/o Franklin Police Dept. 911 Panther Way Franklin, MA would be appreciated.