Frank Joseph Pellegrino (May 19, 1944 – January 31, 2017) was an American actor and restaurateur.[1]
Early life and education
Born in East Harlem on May 19, 1944, to father Frank, a truck driver, and mother, Ida (née Puccillo), a seamstress, Pellegrino graduated from Oceanside High School and Pace College (now Pace University).[2]
Career
Pellegrino has often acted in law and gangster-themed film and television productions. He was a member of an early 1960s singing group called the Holidaes. Notable acting roles include Johnny Dio in Goodfellas, assorted appearances on Dick Wolf's Law & Order, and FBI Chief Frank Cubitoso on The Sopranos.
He played a Federal Agent in Gotti with Assante.
Pellegrino was a co-owner of the restaurant Rao's in New York City. Books written by Pellegrino include Rao's Cookbook,Rao's Recipes from the Neighborhood and Rao's on the Grill. He also produced the CD An Evening at Rao's, featuring music from Rao's jukebox.
Death
Pellegrino died from lung cancer on January 31, 2017, in Manhattan. He was 72.[3]
