Tony Scott Pellin

Tony Scott Pellin, 56, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, after a heroic battle with heart failure. Tony was born November 10, 1963, in Battle Creek, the son of Luciano (Luchio) and Hazel (Grandstaff) Pellin. Tony graduated from Harper Creek High School (1982) and attended Kellogg Community College. Tony lived in Battle Creek and worked as a truck driver for All Seasons Express. Tony had a lifelong obsession with sports and was a competitive high school athlete playing baseball and basketball. He was known to be a 'walking source of sports statistics'. As a child, he pretended to be a "one-man" baseball team playing all of the positions by himself. During the winter months, while growing up, he shot basketball in a homemade hoop made from a watering pail in the basement. Tony was very social, an avid golfer and made a rare hole-in-one shot. He liked to travel, talk with his hands, debate topics, listen to rock-and-roll, share his strong opinions, and meet new people. Tony's love for people showed up in the work he did assisting others in their addiction recovery process. He passionately loved U of M sports and attended football and basketball games. He wore a prominent U of M tattoo and dressed in U of M swag. During his long hospital stay at the U of M, Tony won the hearts of the care providers. He cheered the U of M teams while watching his favorite sports channels, joining the chorus of shouts from staff and patients which could be heard throughout the unit. Tony liked to watch movies and TV and had memorized many lines. He was good at math and was able to memorize strings of numbers and complete math calculations quickly. He took pride in his Italian heritage, and pizza was his favorite meal. One of his favorite phrases was "outstanding", and he was friendly to everyone he met. Tony loved social media as it helped him to keep in contact with fellow Harper Creek grads and his friends. His life-long friend, Harry McCarty, and a contingent of cousins faithfully provided support Tony during his illness. He is survived by daughter, Alicia (Hayward) Christner (Scott), of Centreville; and son, Chase Reed Pellin, of Battle Creek; grandchildren, Monroe and Adelynn, of Centreville; sister, Dawn (Larsen), brother-in-law, Kenneth, both of Battle Creek; niece, Amanda (Jason Adams), and nephew, Joseph. He was preceded in death by his parents. Tony's final care was handled through Clock's and Phoenix Crematory Services. A memorial gathering is planned for Friday, March 6, 2020, at 6:00 PM, at the Battle Creek Friends Church, 1305 Olive Street, Battle Creek, Michigan. The family invites attendees to wear favorite U of M gear or Harper Creek colors, or favorite baseball or basketball swag. Donations may be given on personal choice in Tony's name.