Ronald DePellegrin

Ronald V. DePellegrin

December 1, 1964-August 17, 2025

Ron DePellegrin slipped the bonds of the living world to be with God and loved ones already there.

His mom Dolly had always dreamed of becoming a mother, and "Little Ronnie" made that dream come true. Ron was close to his family, and Dolly and Ron ("Big Ron") DePellegrin never missed a baseball game or karate tournament, carving a Pinewood Derby Car for Boy Scouts, or retelling stories of Ron's experiences as a police officer. Their close-knit family of four, born of adoption and bonded by unconditional love, shared years worthy of a storybook.

From a young age growing up in Plum, Ron (also nicknamed by his parents as "peach") had a drive to help others. As a child, he was a loyal protector of his younger sister Tracey, always looking out for her-even when she insisted on racing bikes or sledding down a steep hill from their grandma's home. Childhood included days climbing apple trees, enjoying Little League baseball and father-son time, playing GI Joes, going to Ligonier, watching Land of the Lost, having fun and making mischief with family friend Jamie Calabrese.

While growing up, Ron found happiness in time spent with cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and extended family across many generations. Some of his favorite memories as a child were with his grandfather Marino and visits to explore the woods looking for arrowheads with Uncle Gino. He treasured weekly Sunday lunches with grandma (Antoinette) and pap "up the hill" and Aunt Nancy and Uncle Rich, and recently he was baking apple pie inspired by grandma. When Florida family visited, Aunt Betsy and Uncle Dave packed themselves and their five girls in my family's tiny house. Eleven people laughed until late at night, rode bikes, got into mischief, and made memories. Trips to Florida were beachy and sunny, with swimming and sherbet and more laughing. Pennsylvania cousins were frequent buddies, when over the years getting together at baptisms, birthdays, communions, confirmations, graduations, weddings, funerals and everything in between. He credited his cousin Duane with introducing him to the fineries of bourbon.

In high school, Ron discovered a passion for karate, ultimately earning his black belt and learning discipline and resilience along the way, and forming an enduring friendship with Stephen Rowe. A lifelong learner, he was fascinated by the Civil War-particularly Gettysburg-and devoured books on subjects ranging from military history to philosophy to Calvin and Hobbes, in which he learned life lessons about resilience, finding humor in many situations, and the fleeting passage of life. He often quoted military thinkers and loved the poem "In Flanders Fields" by Lt. Colonel John McCrae.

Rons's greatest pride and joy? His sons Zachary and Spencer -"my boys," as he called them. He beamed when speaking of their sharp wit, their military service (Spencer in the US Army, Zachary in the US Marine Corps), early days spent teaching them how to use a firearm at the gun range, and their current pursuits: nursing school in Zachary's future, and Spencer continuing his work as a crane operator for wind turbines and an upcoming move to Nevada. A good diner was always a welcome spot for the three guys, and they had fun on their family tradition of visiting Gettysburg. On one of Spencer's birthdays, they stopped at a gas station, and upon seeing a man in a ski mask with a gun, Ron said "today is not the day buddy"-and the robber fled.

Ron dreamed of becoming a police officer and attended the police academy while working at Pitney Bowes and raising two young sons with his then-wife, Stephanie Perne, who he remained close with. He went on to serve as a Sargeant with the Wilkinsburg Police Department, where he was known for his strong ideals and fairness. He cherished his time as a bike officer, which allowed him to interact closely with residents, and he later trained as a sniper. He was also a Detective with the Homestead Borough Police Department, and has served as a narcotics officer and other law enforcement roles for municipalities in the area. Despite the high pressure of the field, Ron worked hard to maintain his purpose, while taking on difficult and dangerous tasks. In every role-whether in policing or security-he brought grit, calm strength, humor, perspective, and a tremendous work ethic. Ron maintained friends from his time at Wilkinsburg, especially Wayne McKenith, with whom he still worked. From helping a Centerville citizen retrieve their lost cow who had escaped the pasture, to bravely assisting in the capture of a mass shooter in Wilkinsburg, Ron relished being a cop. He also believed in second (and third) chances. People were not, he said, their worst days.

A gifted storyteller, Ron could spin a yarn that made everyone laugh. He had a way of connecting with nearly any person in whatever situation, always without judgment. His empathetic heart endeared him to many. Ron embraced resilience and continued to persist even in the face of tough times, including the sudden death of his longtime girlfriend Beth Butler in 2022 and the life they had built. He helped to take care of his mother during the years she suffered the ravages of Alzheimer's disease. He lived with quiet strength and independence, rarely asking for help. In his passing, we are reminded that even the strongest among us can carry unseen burdens.

Dogs held a special place in Ron's heart, and their companionship brought him great fun and comfort throughout his life. His beloved pups included Collette, Tiffany, Annabelle, Nika, Gizmo, and German Shepherds Storm, and the latest best buddies Molly, and Gamora. Their bonds were deep-and no doubt, he's joyfully reunited with them for walks in green fields.

Ron is survived by his sons, Zachary DePellegrin and Spencer DePellegrin; his father, Arone DePellegrin; his sister, Tracey DePellegrin; his niece, Sophia Connelly; his aunts and uncles Bobby Karpiak, Paul Karpiak, Kathryn Serrao, and Nancy and Richard Williams; and cousins, friends, and colleagues too numerous to name. He is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Dolly DePellegrin, grandparents Marino and Antoinette DePellegrin and Stephen and Mary Karpiak, and Beth Ann Butler.

Those of us left behind will love and miss him always. May his stories, humor, and generous spirit live on in our hearts as we reflect on his life that was cut too short.

Friend received for visitation will be held Friday, August 29 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Soxman Funeral Homes, Ltd., 7450 Saltsburg Road, Penn Hills PA 15235. Interment in Plum Creek Cemetery. Donations in Ron's name can be made to ProjectK9hero.org or Pawsitivityservicedogs.com.