Joseph Stallone

May 5, 1936 - April 27, 2025

Our treasured family member, Joseph Stallone passed on April 27, 2025 at home with his wife by his side.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York on May 5, 1936 into a close-knit Italian family. He is predeceased by his parents, Vito (Willie) Stallone and Collette (Mary) Stallone, and his sister Francine.

In his youth, Joe was a champion roller skater, and he won many skating competitions. Later, he enjoyed working on sports cars and was part of the pit crew at races held by the Sports Car Club of America. He was exceptionally capable and resourceful. He invented and created his own machines, and he built the family’s first boat. Later, his 28-foot teak boat was a (yearly) labor of love that never failed to have onlookers pointing in awe. He loved to spend time with his family and friends on Lake Minnetonka. When something would go wrong or something was broken, the familiar mantra in the Stallone family was “don’t worry, Daddy will fix it.” We never did worry, because he always did fix everything. He had a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and he created and ran several successful businesses.

Joe exemplified everything good that a man can be. He was meticulously ethical, extraordinarily strong and brave. He was gentle, with an amiable, easy going personality. Yet he could be a raging bull if anyone threatened his family. Indeed, the legacy of which he was most proud was his family. When the Stallones were all together, he would look around the table and say, “Now I feel truly happy and relaxed, because everyone is here.”

He met the love of his life, Elaine, at the age of 16. People thought it wouldn’t last, but theirs is a unique and rare love story. They recently celebrated 71 years of marriage. Together they persevered. Whenever they were faced with adversity, they would say to each other, “We’ve got this!”

Joe is survived by his wife Elaine; three children — Collette, Bill, and Dianna — his in-laws Allen, Maura and Jason; grandchildren, Jessica and Briana; great-grandchildren, Mathew, Isabella and Andrew; as well as many nieces and nephews with whom he had a close relationship. He also enjoyed a close circle of many friends, including a special bond with his best friend, Glenn Carroll.

He was loved and treasured by all who knew him. His loving, kind and strong presence will be desperately missed by his family and friends every single day. He lived a good and full life. Joseph Stallone, you will never be forgotten. You’re the light that shines through the newly budded spring leaves, the whisper of the wind on our cheeks, and the rock beneath our feet. Because of you, it’s a wonderful world.

Services will be held at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (833 S. Marschall Road) in Shakopee on June 21, 2025, with visitation at 1:00 PM and a Memorial Service at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital are appreciated.