Father of Bo and Carl Pelini, 85, Passed Away

Jeff WilliamsDec 24, 2008

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The father of Nebraska football coach Bo Pelini and defensive coordinator Carl Pelini has died.
Anthony Pelini died Tuesday night at a hospital in Akron City, Ohio, after an extended illness. He was 85.
“Our entire family would like to thank Nebraska fans everywhere for the words of sympathy we have received,” Bo and Carl Pelini said Wednesday in a joint statement. “We are very appreciative of all of the thoughts and prayers.”
Anthony Pelini was born Jan. 23, 1923, in Youngstown, Ohio.
He served in the U.S. Army in World War II, receiving a Purple Heart and a Meritorious Service Medal.
He attended Ohio State University and worked for Kraft Foods and A.H. Robins pharmaceutical company, from which he retired in 1991.
In addition to his sons Bo and Carl, Anthony Pelini was survived by three daughters, three more sons and 26 grandchildren, along with two sisters and brother.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Mary Catherine, and two sisters.
Funeral services will be held Saturday morning in Youngstown, Ohio.
The football team had been scheduled to leave Friday for Jacksonville, Fla., to prepare for the Gator Bowl. Nebraska (8-4) plays Clemson (7-5) on New Year’s Day.
It was not immediately known whether Pelini’s death would affect the team’s travel plans. There was no response to calls The Associated Press made Wednesday to the university’s athletic department. A message sent to a department spokesman was not immediately returned.
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