David A Pellegrino

David A. Pellegrino unexpectedly passed away at his home on November 22, 2025. A beloved colleague, friend, uncle, brother, father, and husband, this kind and generous soul touched the lives of hundreds of people. Born in 1964 in Cheektowaga, NY, David and his two sisters, Laurie and Leslie, were raised by their mother Mary-Margaret. David always enjoyed wonderful friendships with his sisters and their families.

David was a respected and adored partner in the litigation practice of Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (and Freeborn & Peters, LLP, which combined with SGR in 2023). He was a dedicated counselor and unrelenting litigator who built a reputation as among the most trusted advocates in real estate litigation, representing lenders, borrowers, developers, property owners, and key stakeholders in complex disputes across state and federal courts. His expansive knowledge, calm command, and experience generated innumerable successful outcomes. David’s work not only supported the clients he served but shaped the lawyers he mentored and the legal landscape itself. Several of his cases resulted in landmark published opinions, including the leading New York Court of Appeals decision on the duration and priority of real estate judgment liens. His commitment to the field extended beyond litigation: he co-authored the “Commercial Real Estate Litigation” chapter in the renowned treatise Commercial Litigation in New York State Courts, frequently lectured on real estate issues, and was an active member of the Commercial and Federal Litigation Section of the New York Bar Association, contributing to the committee on the Civil Practice Law and Rules. A graduate of SUNY Stony Brook and St. John’s University School of Law, David began his legal career at Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP and Phillips Nizer LLP. David was a lawyer’s lawyer, known for his legal acumen, intellectual rigor, and steadfast advocacy, and admired for his kindness and approach ability that were the fabric of his strong relationships with present and former clients, colleagues, and adversaries alike.

David met the love of his life, Pauline Duggan, and they married in 1995. They made a beautiful life together with their two daughters, Kate and Nina, in Leonia, NJ. Pauline, Kate, and Nina were the center of David’s universe, and he was very present in every aspect of their lives. The girls' friends laughingly referred to David as the perfect girl-dad. As soul mates, David and Pauline were in perfect sync and had recently been enjoying wonderful times together as empty nesters. David loved his home and welcomed one and all on every occasion. Their home always included their cherished dogs, whom David lovingly doted on. He was a loyal friend and had many meaningful relationships. David was adored and will be remembered for his kind, generous, funny, steadfast, and calm manner that brought joy to all who knew him. He will be remembered for his love of life and all that the world had to offer. From researching how to make the perfect cup of coffee to knowing where to find the finest craft brew, David’s passions were wide-ranging and infectious to all around him.

David is survived by his wife, Pauline Duggan Pellegrino, and children Kate and Nina Pellegrino, sister Laurie Crawford and Tom, sister Leslie Peck and John, his late brother-in-law Francis Duggan and Christine, sister-in-law Deirdre Duggan, nephews and nieces Stephen, Emma, Matthew, Douglas, Grace, Grant, Lily, Joseph, Olivia, Hyatt, and Fiona. David was predeceased by his mother, Mary-Margaret Schram. David will be greatly missed by his family and friends all over the US, Ireland, England, and Canada.

The family is having a private wake and funeral and will host a memorial after the new year.  The family requests no flowers. Donations can be made in David’s honor to a charity of your choice.