Anthony “Tony” Pellegrino was born on October 3, 1942 to in Mazara Del Vallo, Sicily. He was the oldest child of Leo and Nina Pellegrino and big brother to Frank, John and sister Kathy.

After immigrating to the US, Tony started first grade. He didn’t speak any English but he proved to be a quick learner and excelled in all his studies. By the time he was in a senior in high school, he was ahead in all his classes. During this time, he managed to keep up his grades and work with his dad Leo doing various odd jobs whether it was cutting grass or learning the stone business. Growing up in San Diego Tony attended   Roosevelt Elementary, Hoover High School and San Diego State graduating at the top of his class.