Donald Charles Pellow, 81, passed away Monday, February 23, 2026 in Charlotte, NC. Born May 3, 1944, in Buffalo, NY, he was the son of the late James and Jean Hummel Pellow. A graduate of Kenmore East HS in 1962, he went on to graduate from Bryant & Stratton College with a major in accounting. Donald served our country in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam. Upon his return he married his sweetheart Barbara Marie Insalaco in September 1969. He spent his career for 28 years with the United States Postal Service where he walked ten miles a day, serving his customers on his mail route in Cheektowaga, NY.  

During his adult years, he cherished bowling with his father & brothers every Tuesday for the Interstate Battery team, sponsored by his friend Jimmy Nye. 

Don was an avid Buffalo Bills, Sabres and NY Yankees fan watching games with his father and family.

Don and Bobbie were competitive playing Pinochle and cards with family & friends. They used to love watching the horses run the Kentucky Derby. Also, Don enjoyed picking out lottery scratch-off tickets.

Don enjoyed watching the Olympics, cheering proudly for Team USA. He was thrilled to watch the US Men's and Women's hockey teams win Gold.

In his later years he looked forward to attending the Levine Senior Center in Matthews to play Pinochle and Poker. 

Donald is survived by his adoring children: Judd Pellow (Ashley) and Jordana Torrisi (Sergio) and granddaughter, Mia Torrisi; cherished siblings: Penny Bonsignore (Dick Dombrowski); Marsha Say (Joe); Mark Pellow (Michele); Dan Pellow (late Anne); Mickey Riggi (John); Patrick Pellow (Linda); and sister in-law Mary Ann besides many more loving family. 

Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Barbara Marie Insalaco Pellow; his eldest brother, James E. Pellow; and his beloved niece, Melissa Say Paul.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans https://help.dav.org. 

By making a gift to DAV you are empowering disabled veterans.