Joe Pellegrino, 89, a popular Philadelphia television sports anchor and key member of the highest-rated action news team in the 1970s, died on Friday, April 12, due to heart disease combined with complications from diabetes. , died at his home in Marlton.
From 1971 to 1976, the award-winning Mr. Pellegrino served as WPVI-TV’s main sports anchor alongside news anchor Larry Cain and weatherman Jim O’Brien.
“He became an instant sensation,” Cain said in a phone interview, recalling how the station produced a promotional video about women following the charismatic sportscaster.
Mr. Pellegrino left Philadelphia to pursue a career in other cities, but returned in the 1980s and rejoined Mr. Cain at WCAU-TV.
“Joe was one of the nicest people I’ve ever worked with in my life,” Cain said.
“In the broadcast community, he was loved. And the broadcast community is tough,” Cain added.
Merrill Reese, the Eagles’ longtime play-by-play radio announcer, posted on social media about Pellegrino’s death.
“Joe was a good friend and a great sports anchor on Channels 6 and 10. Joe was also a daytime host in the early days of WIP’s sports talk format. Joe was just a great guy.” Ms. Reese wrote.
Mr. Pellegrino’s daughters, Shawna Pellegrino Curry and Melinda Pellegrino Murillo, said in a joint statement that their father was “always very loving, thoughtful, and devoted, especially during the time he spent with us.” Stated. He was very encouraging and supportive, would leave us sing-along voicemails, and had a great sense of humor. We both felt so loved by him. ”
He “thoroughly enjoyed his career in broadcasting and all parts of it. We are extremely proud of his dedication and accomplishments,” his daughters said.
Mr. Pellegrino was born in Washington, D.C., and graduated from American University in 1957, winning an athletic scholarship and excelling as an athlete.
He was drafted into the Army and produced and performed in television and radio programs at Fort Bragg. He also played baseball and basketball in the Army.
He then returned to American University and earned a master’s degree in communications and journalism in 1967.
His career in television and radio included work in Washington, Boston, Detroit, Cleveland, and San Francisco.
His incredibly diverse work includes producing documentaries on the life of legendary boxer Rocky Marciano, covering the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, and working with baseball legends Al Kaline and George Kell on the Detroit Tigers. There were color commentators and live announcements for the game. He appears on Villanova basketball telecasts and hosts a weekly show with Villanova coach Laurie Massimino.
Mr. Pellegrino has won multiple local Emmy Awards for television and radio. He was inducted into the Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 2010.
And Pellegrino, who was a choral singer during his school days, liked to sing the national anthem at events whenever he could.
Pellegrino remained close to his ex-wife, Nancy Worrell, until his death, according to his daughter Melinda.
In addition to his daughters and ex-wife, Mr. Pellegrino is survived by a younger brother, John. He has three grandchildren and other relatives.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, May 11th at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 Bladensburg Rd., Brentwood, MD 20722. Burial will be in Fort Lincoln Cemetery.
