Francesco Stallone Sr. (September 12, 1919 – July 11, 2011) was an Italian-American hairdresser, polo enthusiast, writer, and one-time actor.

Stallone was the father of actor Sylvester Stallone and actor/singer Frank Stallone.

He was well known for being the author of his only book Stewart Lane which was published in May 2010 and in his only acting role in the 1976 movie Rocky as the timekeeper.

Early life and career

He was born Francesco Stallone on September 12, 1919, in Gioia del Colle, Italy, to Silvestro Stallone (1883–1963), a barber, and Pulcheria Nicastri (1890–1973). He was one of eight children.

His family moved to America from Italy in 1932. Stallone also served in the Army during World War II from 1940–1945.

After his return from the service, Stallone opened up several barber shops in New York City. He moved to Washington, D.C., in the early 1950s and then moved to Silver Spring, Maryland, where he opened several more hair salons and beauty schools.

He was also a polo enthusiast for more than seventy years, becoming an early member of the Potomac Polo Club, located in Poolesville, Maryland.[10]

Stallone also had a short-lived career as an actor and also as a writer. His only acting was in the role of the timekeeper in the 1976 American sports drama Rocky[11] starring his son Sylvester.[12] At the age of 90, he wrote his first and only novel, which was published on May 24, 2010.[13] The book, entitled Stewart Lane, was the tale of a couple who attempt to renovate a dilapidated country house.

Personal life

Stallone was married four times. His first marriage was to Jacqueline Labofish, an astrologer better known as Jackie Stallone, and lasted twelve years from 1945 to 1957. His second marriage was to Rose Marie Stallone and ended in divorce. His third marriage was to Sandra Stallone and also ended in divorce. His fourth and final marriage was to Kathleen Rhodes and lasted from 1997 until his death.

He had five children; 

• Sylvester, Frank Jr. (with Jackie),
• Bryan, Carla Francesca (with Rose Marie)
• Dante Alexander (with Kathleen).

He was also the grandfather of Sage and Sistine Stallone.

Death

Stallone died on July 11, 2011 at his home in Wellington, Florida, at the age of 91 after a battle with prostate cancer.

His memorial was held on September 12 at Saint Rita's Church in Wellington.