Louis Pellegrino

April 16, 1942 - December 28, 2021

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date

Louis Pellegrino, 79, of Lafayette, left this earth peacefully on December 28, 2021, in the company of his family, following a lengthy illness.

Born and raised in Brooklyn and Irvington, New York, Lou was a graduate of Colgate University who earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience from McGill University in Montreal. He came to Purdue University as a research scientist in neurobiology in 1973. In 1987 he took a position with the Purdue Research Foundation, from which he retired as Director of Sponsored Programs in 1998. In retirement, Lou volunteered at the Lafayette Police Department and Tippecanoe County Public Library.

Lou loved to travel with his wife Ann, with trips ranging as far from the Midwestern corn fields as sailing the Caribbean on tall ships, visiting his host daughters in Hungary, and playing with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands. He was an avid stamp collector who ran a small stamp dealership business named after a set of structures in the human brain. He also built a working TV set from a kit and threatened to meet his daughters’ dates at the door wearing a tea cosy on his head.

Lou is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ann Shumann Pellegrino; their daughters and sons-in-law Catherine Pellegrino and Christopher Cobb, and Nancy and Eric Swank; his brother James Pellegrino and sister Joann Scaduto; and three grandsons: Nicholas Swank, Andrew Swank, and James Cobb. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tippecanoe County Public Library.

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

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Louis Pellegrino, 79, of Lafayette, left this earth peacefully on December 28, 2021, in the company of his family, following a lengthy illness. Born and raised in Brooklyn and Irvington, New York, Lou was a graduate of Colgate University who earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience from McGill University in Montreal. He came to Purdue UniversityContinue Reading

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Hi, Ann! I was not aware of Lou's passing, and I very much wish to offer my condolences to you. I became aware of his death through having received various email messages from his wide circle of friends and acquaintances. I am thankful that because of Lou's many messages which included me, I got that sad information. I remember with joy my meeting the two of you on a sailing ship cruise in the Caribbean - many years ago now - on the SS Mandalay, and we exchanged email addresses so I was able to keep in touch with him and you. You may recall that the 50 or so people on that cruise, the majority of those on it were of course United States residents, and I remarked to the two of you that I was pleasantly surprised at meeting such a convivial and intelligent group of Americans gathered together! And then the two of you visited me in Edmonton, Canada, when you stopped here with me on one of your many trips across North America. I will remember Lou! Take care!

Dear Ann, I am so sorry to hear that Lou has died. He was a year ahead of me in the MdGill graduate program and therefore acted as a mentor in terms of what to do and how to do it. He was always patient and in my memory he had such a perennial good mood. When I picture him, he has a smile on his face. May he rest in peace. --Gus

Dear Ann, Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your dear husband. May family and friends surround you with comfort during this time of grief. My prayers are with you and your family. With warm regards, Deidre Duncan

The Board and Staff of Lafayette Urban Ministry wish to extend our sincerest condolences to Lou's wife, Ann, children, siblings and grandchildren. May God hold all of you in the palm of His hand.

I was saddened to learn of Lou's passing. We have known each other for two decades. For most of the recent past, we've been email friends, exchanging humorous stories and news. I enjoyed his cheer and amusement. During the time he worked at Purdue, I valued his dedication and expertise. My sincere condolences to Ann, and to the whole family. I am one of many who will miss Lou in the days and years ahead.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My thoughts and prayers go with you, Ann and your family. As long as you live, Louis will live on through you. Receive my heartfelt condolences.

Mrs. Pellegrino, Catherine, and Nancy, You have my sincere sympathy for your loss. I remember what a great family you were as the girls attended Oakland Elementary. David Billings, former Oakland teacher

Sending my sympathy and prayers to all of Lou's loved ones. I was lucky to work in the same office in Hovde and enjoyed his keen sense of humor - he was a great guy! I am sorry for your loss.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.