[2] Pellegrino built numerous factories across Southeastern Missouri, managing the company into becoming the largest manufacturing employer in the region by the 1960s.

[6] At the age of 19, he married Ida Kropp, a fellow employee and German immigrant that worked as a seamstress at the plant.

He was a driving force for the production of military pith helmets for the United States Army, Navy, and Marines during World War II.

Under his management, the company expanded to incorporate factories, warehouses, and sales offices throughout Missouri, Texas, New York, and Mexico.

[8] In 1962, Pellegrino donated land and money to establish the first municipal park in the history of Oran, Missouri.

[9][11] At the park dedication ceremony, the local officials formally declared the event as "Pellegrino Appreciation Day".