Albert "Al" Pellegrino, Jr.

Albert “Al” Anthony Pellegrino, Jr., 56, of Columbus, GA, peacefully passed Monday, May 30, 2022, from a heart attack during his sleep.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, June 6, 2022 at Cascade Hills Church, 727 54th St, Columbus, GA 31904. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907. The funeral service will be live streamed by Cascade Hills Church.

Al was born April 2, 1966, in Manhattan, NY to Albert Anthony Pellegrino Sr. and the late Doreen Curry Snavely. Al graduated from Shaw High School then attended Jacksonville State University then to Union College, in Barbourville, Kentucky, where he graduated with his undergraduate degree while also playing football. He earned his MBA at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee. Al’s extensive resume includes teaching in Health & Nutrition and English as well as what we all know him best as: a stellar coach at various schools and leagues throughout the southeast region. Al gained his notoriety after bringing several teams and sports to not only regional championships, but multiple state championships. Other than his mother he is preceded in death by his brother, David Anthony Pellegrino.

Al loved fiercely and worked even harder. He was a God loving community leader as well as a mentor to everyone he met. He lived daily by the word of Christ and spread that love with not only every single student he taught or walked the halls with, but also with every single athlete he encountered throughout his 30 plus years. Most recently you saw his leadership emulate throughout the whole Shaw Raider Family.

Ashlee and Al along with their children Ryleigh and Ryan attend Cascade Hills church and are active throughout the church. Al was a leader in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and volunteered throughout the local community.  He was most at peace outdoors hunting and fishing. Al is best known for being called ‘Coach P’ around town. He always cared for others first and foremost; all in doing so without wanting recognition. He considered his students, players, fellow faculty, and coaches as family and said as much. Coach P inspired and motivated people to always be their best selves. Alumni stories of Coach P all have the same resounding echo, “I am who I am today because of the guidance Coach P gave me.”, all with his motto, “No Challenge, No Change” in mind.

He is survived by his wife, Ashlee Pellegrino of Columbus, GA, his father, Albert Pellegrino, Sr. (Dianna) of Kempner, TX, sister, Angela Gordon (Anthony) of Copperas Cove, TX and family, along with Al’s children, Christopher Pellegrino (Catharine) of Ft. Stewart, GA, Brittany Pellegrino (Zeke Altman) of Canton, GA, Brock Pellegrino (Sara Shaw) of Braselton, GA, Ryleigh and Ryan McKenna of Columbus, GA, along with his 3 grandchildren and another expected in September, plus many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be put towards the new Pellegrino Practice Tower to be erected at the Shaw practice field as a memorial. Donations can be made to https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8KkmyyRD3d