Leo Pellegrini, an avid Asian art collector and lover of the finer things in life, died on November 9, 2021, at 93.
Leo was born on April 23, 1928, in Chicago, IL. He was the cherished son of the late Silvio and Ida Pellegrini and was raised in an Italian neighborhood in the Heart of the City.
Leo served in the United States Army—and once he retired from his service, he went to DePaul University for his Bachelors in Business and his Masters at Northwestern University. His education helped secure his employment at Marshall Fields on State Street, where he worked as a sales representative for the Men's Clothing Department.
Eventually, Leo got promoted to a buyer for Ralph Lauren and traveled the world buying clothes for Marshall Fields. During his travels, he developed an affinity for art and started his personal collection of ceramics, sculptures, and paintings. Even after he retired, he retained his unique style, taste, and salesmanship—always eager to exchange conversation over cocktails with friends in an intentionally put-together outfit.
A private burial service is scheduled for his immediate family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to
Alzheimer Association
225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 Alzheimer's Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax-deductible.
Our federal tax ID number is 13-3039601.
Arrangements entrusted to Debbie Zefran-Jerry funeral director. 630-230-8399 Visit newtraditionfunerals.com
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