1930 – 2016

NATCHEZ — A memorial Mass for retired Lt. Col. Meno Joseph Stallone Jr., 85, who died Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at his home in Biloxi, will be at 10 a.m. today, May 28th at St. Mary Basilica.  

A graveside service with military honors will follow at Natchez City Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time at the church.

Lt. Col. Stallone had a deep love for his family and a passion for his career of 27 years as a U.S. Air Force pilot and instructor. He was honored to be of service to his country and was a servant to others throughout his life with a rich and devout faith in God. He was a mentor to many men, never jealous and genuinely happy for the successes of others.

His dedication and valor awarded him the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

His wit and charm endeared him to so many. Rarely did he meet a stranger that they didn’t walk away as friends. He was a number things to many people, but to us, he was a loving husband, dad, pops, pawpaw, Uncle Buddy, brother, cousin and friend. We are grateful for his life and he will truly be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Meno Joseph Stallone Sr. and Mary Benedittine Stallone; three sisters, Betty Grimes, Ethel Mancuso and Ann Reed; one son, Michael Joseph Stallone; and one daughter, Judith Ann Johnston.

Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Freda Sandel Stallone; four children, David Stallone and wife, Cheryl, Diane Dollar and husband, Ed, Dolores Houseman and husband, Tim, and Donna Stallone and husband, Jesse; son-in-law, Steve Johnston; six grandchildren, Jennifer Burns, Bennett Johnston and wife, Eileen, Katie Richardson and husband, Thomas, Christopher Houseman, Brittany Houseman and Logan Stallone; four great-grandchildren, Mia Burns, Tyler Burns, Eileen Johnston and James Richardson; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made for veteran’s support in Lt. Col. Stallone’s name to the Bridgeland Community Supports Veterans Inc., 18815 Cove Bend Lane, Cypress, TX 77433, a non-profit for which his daughter is a founding member.