Albert Richard "Dick" Pelli, 80, of Utica, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Thursday, January 21, 2021, with his wife Dee by his side. He was born April 18, 1940, in Utica, the son of the late Alberto "Bum Bum" Agostino Pelli and Rose "Gammie" Saracino Pelli. He was a graduate of Proctor High School and attended Utica College. Al was married to his loving, devoted wife, Dolores "Dee" Santiago Pelli. He was a beloved father to five boys. He was a proud Marine, having served his country from 1957 to 1960. Later he worked at UNIVAC as a "scopeman", at LSH (Linen Systems for Hospitals) as a truck driver, at MHA (Municipal Housing Authority) as the Supervisor of Maintenance, and lastly as a private plumber and electrician. He loved to work in his garden and in his earlier years he loved to fish, travel and play poker. He especially enjoyed his several trips to Aruba with his wife, was very fond of George Carlin, and loved all of his dogs throughout a 48-year period: Sam, Chico, Sidney, Rufus and most recently, Rudy and Rex, whose love carried him through the final days of his life. He is survived by his loving wife, Dolores "Dee" Santiago Pelli; his five sons, Andrew King Pelli, Steven Jude Pelli, Christopher Jude Pelli, Russell Jude Pelli and Matthew Martin (Jessie Mann); two sisters, Mary Ann "Auntie" Daley and Teresa "Peach" Olivadoti; one brother, Anthony "Buzz" and Colleen Stancato; sisters-in-law, Mary Santiago and JoEllen and Brian Franz; brothers-in-law, Bob Daley and David Santiago; a very special first cousin, Tony Esposito; and Christopher and Russell's mother, Mary Pelli-Maggio, with whom he maintained a close friendship over the years. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, Cindy Bloom, Holly and David Heller, Sarah and Bryan Crowe, Angela Stancato, Amanda Santiago, Alicia Santiago, Amy Malick and Bryan Miller, Ashleigh and Jon Hardage, Tara Franz, Dan Olivadoti, Joshua Bloom, Noah Bloom, Jason Franz, Eric Santiago, Vedder Jewett, Violet Jewett, Aliza Jones, John Gilot and Arianna Gilot. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Victor Olivadoti; mother-in-law, Mary Santiago, and first cousins, Vincent A. Esposito and his son, Vincent Esposito. He was honored to be Godfather of many, and also fortunate to have many friends, especially Joe DiPierro, Carl Mazza, John Dellerba, Rick Caruso, Donato "Danny" Nappi, and the crew at Caruso's Pastry Shoppe. We would like to thank Dr. Gooldy for his many years of medical care, and especially his nurse, Laura, who went above and beyond, even visiting Al at home during his final days. We would also like to thank Al's sister-in-law, JoEllen Franz, for the love and dedication she showed Al and Dee during this difficult time. Many thanks go out to Hospice & Palliative Care as well. In keeping with Al's wishes, there will be no calling hours or services. However, we're sure he would appreciate your having a glass of wine or vodka and orange in his memory this evening. Those wishing to do so, please make a donation to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in his memory. Arrangements are with Mark C. Bentz Funeral Service, Inc., New Hartford. To express sympathy, please visit bentzfuneralhomes.com