Pellegrino Scarpinati

Pellegrino was born on August 17th, 1944 in Sant'Anna di Caltabellotta, Sicilia, which is a small village at the base of Caltabellotta, a rocky, mountainous area which in prehistory was inhabited by the Sicani, later, the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans.The ruins of a Norman castle remain at the summit. Pellegrino was born a home 2 months premature as were 3 other boys in the town who did not survive. His mother, Giuseppina, kept him warm in a small box with cotton. He was baptized immediately by the priest with the name of his maternal grandfather, and Saint Pellegrino, Patron of Caltabellotta and the First Bishop of that region who was appointed by Saint Peter. One can view the remains of the monastery and attend Mass at the beautiful, active church which is still there.

As a boy, he got into mischief with his many friends. He loved birds, and once, he robbed a nest of baby birds by climbing up a ladder. He fell and still had the scar on his chin to prove it. During dinner, the parents heard chirping and his mother opened the drawer adjacent to the table and there was a brood of hungry chicks with mouths gaping! At the age of 10, his father Giovanni, who was a barber, stood him on a stool and handed him the scissors and instructed him on techniques of hair cutting. He was not very fond of school because the teachers were very strict, and at that time, the government only required a fifth grade education. Pino, the common nickname, continued working on the farm, cutting hair, and socializing with friends and family. His grandfather Pellegrino had been a coal miner in Murphysboro, Illinois, and his daughter Giuseppina, had been born there in 1922 and was an American citizen. Subsequently, the family returned to Sant"Anna as they missed home. Pino's elder sister Grazia was born in 1939 and automatically inherited American Citizenship from her mother, but by 1944, the law had changed and Pino did not. When Grazia was 18, she immigrated to America. One year later, her parents followed, but Pino had to wait. He didn't mind, because he lived with his Nonno Pino, and had the run of the town! Later,when he had arrived, the family bought a corner home in South Philadelphia, which had a store converted into a Barber shop. It was easy to assimilate into Little Italy, among the Italian relatives and friends. John Pompetti, a Master Barber and teacher was his mentor and taught him modern styles. Pino joined the American Master Barber and Beautician Association and won about 25 trophies at the competitions in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and New York

One fateful day in May, standing outside St. Thomas Aquinas church, watching the May Procession to Our Lady, he met Carol. She wanted to practice her Italian, and he spoke minimal English, but he followed her home. Lo and Behold, Pino's home was on the corner of her street. She was a Junior in High School and he was 3 years older. Their first date was to the movies, and when they returned to his house, his Sicilian mother Giuseppina got down on her knees to her potential daughter-in-law, and informed her that the first baby girl must be named after her! There were family gatherings in their home every week, the barber chairs were pushed aside, so everyone could dance the Mazurka, and the Tarantella, and his father would call the Quadriglia, a type of Sicilian square dance.His mother and sister sewed in the clothing factories where suits and military uniforms were assembled. In the evenings, friends would come and play Briscola, a card game, winning pennies, while drinking espresso and eating homemade cookies.

On June 29th, 1968, Pellegrino and Carol were married at St. George's Catholic church in Glenolden, Pa. as her parents had relocated to that township. They honeymooned in Italy for four months, sightseeing and visiting with relatives, and of course being blessed by Pope Paul VI in Rome. Josephine (aka Giuseppina) was born on May 8th, 1969. He was employed as a barber in Main Line, Philadelphia where he styled the hair of many celebrities. On February 8th, 1980, daughter Joanne (aka Giovanna) was born. At that time, his parents had wanted to move to California to be close to his father's sister Anna and the Sala family, and his mother's brother Serafino and Perrone family, who lived in Redwood City. Sadly, on April 12th, Giovanni passed away suddenly. After the funeral, Pino decided to fulfill his father's wishes and we all moved to Modesto, as cousin John Perrone lives here and it was more affordable. Pino obtained his California license, and set to work in various salons, and eventually opened his own on Oakdale Rd. Through his profession and gregariousness, he developed friendships with many clients. Pino also made sure that our priests were presentable at the altar as he cut their hair on a regular basis. Elizabeth was born on August 5th, 1983 in Modesto and passed away October 20th, 2015. He missed her greatly although mourned her deep in his heart. We had take many trips to Italy, an Elizabeth loved her dad's hometown, Venezia and Pompei. We also traveled to Colorado,Philadelphia and New Jersey for family visits.

In 1999 we traveled on pilgrimage to Medjugoqe. We both experienced a profound deepening of our faith. In the Jubilee year of 2000, we went on a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi with Father joseph Illo and Father Peter Carota. We attended Mass with Saint Pope John Paul ll. Since a translation of Pellegrino is "Pilgrim" his name was printed on the front page of the newspapers and the Pope repeated it often. The other men on our trip were asking him why he was so famous.

Pino was very close to his three nephews, Philip, John and Pellegrino Truncali, and his godson Joseph Ritorto. He enjoyed going fishing and hunting with them and his oldest Grandson Thomas. Our family was extended with Philip's wife Maureen and Pino's wife Giovanna. Granddaughter Faith as born December 16th, 2024 and he was a devoted Nonno and raised her, never missing a school activity. Pino loved his grandchildren Emily and Michael Lambert, children of Stephan and Josephine, as well as Hayden and Logan Utke, sons of Joanne and Darren. Thomas and Kayla made him a great grandfather with Stella,

Colton and Hudson. Our goddaughter Josephine Truncali came to visit often with her dad Philip, and Pino loved his godson Brandon who was able to speak to him or the phone at the hospital. He was loved by his sister and brother-in-law Mary and Gerry Brown, and a large cohort of nieces and nephews, Including Nikki and Nathan McInturf, children Micah and Ayla; Frank and Carly and Jaxxon and Indiana Truncali, John Paul and Miranda Truncali with children Jeremiah, Elias, Sophia and Lucia. Also Hope Truncali, children Aden, Alayna and Bella. This does not include the contingent of cousins in California, Philadelphia and New Jersey.

He loved having everyone at the dinner table especially for Thanksgiving where we had up to 40 people. It was difficult for me to obtain a head count, because someone would show up at the door and announce that "Pino invited me". We miss all the family dinners with his sister Grazia and brother-in-law Francesco. We feel the absence of Ron Martorano, who is like a brother,and ate at our table frequently.He is convalescing in San Francisco. Pino had been caring for Ron's home for 4 years. Pino was always helping people in various ways. He established the first Hot Dog Cart in front of the Stanislaus County Courthouse and a person whom he employed on occasion, said that he gave away so much food to those who could not pay that he barely broke even. He cooked dinners for the church festivals, Mary Mother of God church in Vladivostok, Knights of Columbus, and many other businesses. He was also a chef at Mediterranean Market where he prepared Father Silva's (St. Stanislaus Church) favorite foods.

One of our yearly Italian traditions was cooking and canning tomato sauce.Pino had friends among the farmers in Patterson, who invited him and family to pick as many baskets of tomatoes as they wished.. Every year, with cousins Andre and Maureen, Kenneth, and our friend Chris we canned at least 300 jars. Grazia and Frank were dearly missed the 2 years.

His most cherished position was that of serving the church as an usher at the 7:30 PM Mass on Sundays. He enjoyed welcoming each parishioner to Mass and assisting as needed.

We are forever grateful to our priests, Father Sam West and Father Benny, and Father Mascardo who administered the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, which he received seven times during; his illness as well as the Holy Eucharist until he could no longer swallow. Father Sam also gave him the the Apostolic Pardon which forgives all sins, and Father Benny was there on Friday with the family praying the Litany of the Saints and Divine Mercy. Father Sekhar who is a dear friend celebrate Masses for him often. He transitioned into eternal life with his wife Carol , Faith, daughter Josephine holding his hands at 12:15 AM just after midnight and nephews Pino, John, Philip and goddaughter Josephine present. Grandson Michael was brought by his godmother Nickie Miranda to say farewell. Giovanna had contacted the priest in Sant'Anna and he rang the church bells on Monday so that the parish would know th t a native son had passed away. Father Joseph IIIo, Father Sam West, Father Mark Wagner and Father Matthew O'Donnell will be celebrating Mass In Ireland on July 11th for Pino.

In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic church,1813 Oakdale Rd., Modesto, Ca. 95355