Joseph Peter Pellegrino lived 86 remarkable years, leaving behind a legacy of love, loyalty, service, and devotion to his family, community, and country. Above all, Joe was a family man. For 66 wonderful years, he shared his life with his high school sweetheart and beloved wife, Patricia Pellegrino (Sbarbaro). Together, they built a beautiful family and a lifetime of memories.
A proud and dedicated soldier, Joe served 26 years in the United States Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Early in his military career, he completed two tours of duty in Vietnam, where his bravery and service earned him the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Throughout his career, he served at numerous military installations across the country, taking pride in every assignment.
Among his distinguished assignments, Joe served with the Strategic Air Command in Washington, D.C., supporting Presidents Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter, along with other high-ranking military and civilian officials. He was among the select military officers entrusted with being handcuffed to “the football,” the briefcase carrying the nation’s nuclear codes. He later volunteered for a hardship tour in Korea, serving as Inspector General for the U.S. Army and working alongside American and Korean military personnel to ensure combat readiness. His service there earned him the Korea Service Medal. Joe’s final military assignments brought him home to California, where he served as Secretary of the General Staff for the 6th Army at the Presidio of San Francisco and Camp Parks in Dublin.
Following his military retirement, Joe continued serving his community. He spent 13 years as Director of Transportation for the City of Tracy, followed by three years as Executive Director of the Manteca Chamber of Commerce. His commitment to giving back extended to his faith community, where he served as Athletic Director at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church for 11 years. He was also proud to achieve the rank of Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. One of Joe’s most meaningful accomplishments was founding Flags Over Manteca following the events of September 11, 2001. With the generosity and support of the community, he transformed his vision into a lasting tribute to patriotism, faith, and community pride. Today, those flags continue to wave as a reminder of Joe’s dedication and love for his country.
Despite his many accomplishments, Joe’s greatest pride was always his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Patricia; his three daughters, Lori Pellegrino-Jackson, JoAnn Bockhahn, and Cary Posz; and his brother, Elmer. He also leaves behind nine cherished grandchildren: Lexy Pryor, Blaine Bockhahn, Courtney Silher, Dwight Jackson, Jordyn Posz, Madison Jackson, Savannah Jackson, Logan Bockhahn, and Kyndal Bockhahn, as well as three beloved great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Frank.
Family gatherings were at the heart of Joe’s life. Sunday evenings were a treasured tradition, bringing all 17 family members together around the large oak table for dinner, laughter, and stories. These gatherings represented everything Joe and Patricia had built together over their 66 years of marriage. Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His grandchildren were his greatest joy, and he rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on at a game, match, or sporting event. He was their biggest fan, and they never doubted how much they meant to him.
A lifelong San Francisco 49ers fan dating back to the days at Kezar Stadium, Joe’s loyalty to his team never faded. He also took great pride in caring for his yard, continuing to tend to it himself well into his 80s. Joe believed in showing up, following through, and always taking care of the people and things he loved.
His life was a testament to faith, family, loyalty, and service. He gave 26 years to his country, countless years to his community, and a lifetime of love to those closest to him. Though he will be deeply missed, the memories he created and the values he passed down will live on for generations. As family and friends gather around the Sunday dinner table, cheer on the 49ers, or see the Flags Over Manteca waving, they will be reminded of Joe and the lasting impact he made on so many lives. His flags will continue to fly, and so will his legacy. Faith. Family. Loyalty.
P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the Pellegrino family. A Rosary will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. Joe will be laid to rest on November 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Shasta Memorial Cemetery.
An online guestbook is available for condolences at www.plfryandson.com.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Thursday, November 5, 2026
