Monica M. Stallone

Monica M. Stallone, 57, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, of Hazle Twp., Pa. passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton Campus, following a long illness.

Born June 19, 1965 in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Barbara (Ladner) Bankus.

Surviving are: her husband of 37 years, Stephen A. Stallone; sons, Salvatore "Sal" Stallone and his wife Ashley, Aaron Stallone and his wife Erin, Brett Stallone and his wife Dominique; and grandchildren Mia, Emery, Beckett and Gabriella.

A 1983 graduate of Panther Valley High School, Monica attended Alliance College in Cambridge Springs, Pa., before earning her Associates Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management. She worked at numerous hotels, restaurants and resorts throughout the Pocono Region, including Hershey Pocono Resort, Split Rock Resort, Mountain Laurel Resort, Pocono Raceway, Hanna's Ugly Mug and Fork's Club & Bistro, rising to management levels at many of those stops. She also helped launch and manage "Drifters" Restaurant in Seaside Heights, N.J.

Monica then transitioned to a career in home health care, finding a great love in tending to the needs of the sick and elderly for Comfort Keepers, R&L Helpmates, and ultimately as a private contractor. She also volunteered for the "Be My Eyes" program.

Growing up in Lansford, Monica enjoyed sports, competing in flag football in her youth. While at Panther Valley, she competed in both swimming and volleyball, and was a member of the ski club. She also performed with the marching band as a member of the flag team.

An avid skier from her youth, Monica enjoyed being out on the mountain, skiing both competitively and for fun, and introducing her sons to the sport. She ultimately became a Ski Instructor at Big Boulder and Jack Frost Mountain.

Monica also loved to dance, and followed her passion of dancing with her parents as a member of the Anthracite Polka Association, and performing as a folk dancer with the nationally-renowned "Kukawiaki" folk dance ensemble while at Alliance College.

Monica also loved music, and while in high school and college was a contributor to local band "Fallacy." Later in life, she worked sound and lighting for the popular beach band "Love Seed Mama Jump" in and around Dewey Beach, Del. Monica also enjoyed traveling, and loved the beach.

Her family, her three boys and four grandchildren were the love of her life, and her many friends from her youth and high school days, through to college and professional life, were like extended family. She will be greatly missed, but her beautiful soul will shine on in her family forever.

Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pa., 18252. (570) 668-2550

Following a 10 a.m. visitation period, a Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, March 31, at 11 a.m. from St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, 411 Allegheny St., White Haven, Pa., 18661.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in Monica's name and honor to: The American Nurses Foundation; American Cancer Society for cancer research; or to the new Cancer Treatment Center at Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton Campus.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com