Ronald Pellegrini

Ronald Pellegrini was born September 7, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, to Enzio “Frank” and Ida (Andreucetti) Pellegrini. When Ron was four years old, his family moved to North Judson, Indiana, where they owned and operated Pell’s Sweet Shop. After graduating from high school, Ron attended Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Tulsa, Oklahoma, earning his A&P license. He later attended Northrop Institute of Technology (now Cal Poly) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. With his degree, he worked for Ryan Aviation, Cessna, McDonnell Douglas, Raytheon, Boeing, and as an independent consultant.

Outside of work, Ron loved horses, hunting, and fishing, as well as flying. He was a pilot, horse trainer, judge, and farrier. His love of horses led him to his future wife, Marilyn. Ron and Marilyn (Magnusson) were united in marriage in 1987, where he also gained a daughter, Andrea, and they welcomed Nicholas in 1988. After “retirement,” Ron became a full-time farmer, raising wheat, milo, soybeans, hay, cattle, and sheep. Ron’s passion in life was his family, especially his grandchildren, watching them at many sporting events and 4-H activities.

Ron is preceded in death by both of his parents, Enzio and Ida Pellegrini, and his sister, Mannee Schyler. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children Andrea (husband Nick) and son Nicholas; children from a previous marriage, Lisa and Andretta; and grandchildren Brilee, Luke, Westen, and Taylor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cowley County Fire District IV, P.O. Box 84, Udall, KS 67146, or the Udall 4-H Booster Club, 7675 72nd Road, Winfield, KS 67156.

Funeral Service will be held on January 17th, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Smith Family Mortuary 501 SE Louis Blvd. Mulvane, KS 67110 with burial to follow at Mt. Vernon cemetery in Udall, KS.