Joseph Tristano

Joseph John Vladimir Tristano, age 34 of La Crosse, Wisconsin, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at his home.

He was born on June 6, 1986, in Atlanta, Georgia, and moved to Winona with his family when he was 5. He was a graduate of Winona Senior High School and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. He graduated with a degree in business management.

He was employed at Northwestern Mutual, Sparta, WI, with his father-in-law Mark and brother-in law Trevor, and he enjoyed the wonderful relationships that were built with each other and established with their clients.

Joe was united in marriage with Brittany Leigh Erickson on April 21, 2016.

Joe was gregarious and everywhere Joe went he found friends. He was a regular attendee and friend at Schmidty’s Bar and Restaurant in La Crosse, WI. He was a steady participant in Trivia nights with friends and a dedicated fan of the show Jeopardy. Joe had a zest for life and enjoyed helping others. During college and shortly thereafter, Joe worked for Home and Community Options and Legacies/Winona, which gave him much satisfaction.

Joe was an avid sports fan dedicated to the New York Mets and New York Jets, a devotion he inherited from his father. Despite their constant misfortunes, he always remained optimistic about next year. He enjoyed gardening and took great pride in planting and nurturing his vegetables and especially his back lawn despite the poor growing conditions.

Joe was especially close with his Uncle Pete and Aunt Pat. Uncle Pete taught Joe the art of drywalling which Joe thought he mastered.

Most of all, he loved spending time with his 2 year old daughter, Francesca (Chessa), with whom he had a great bond.

Joe is lovingly survived by his wife, Brittany Tristano, and daughter, Francesca Isotta; parents, Barbara and Richard Tristano; sister, Amanda Weyer; brother-in-law Kyle Weyer; nephew, Jack Weyer; niece, Perry Weyer; father-in-law, Mark Erickson; mother-in-law, Julie Erickson; brothers-in-law, Tyler (Tori) and Trevor Erickson; and nephews, Tryg and Calloway Erickson. He will also be missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins, and close buddies Jon, Eric, Ethan, and Scott.

There will be a celebration of Joe’s life at a future date.

Funeral services will be private for family only.

It is respectfully requested that memorials be directed to the First Community Credit Union in Sparta, WI, where a fund has been established for Joe’s daughter, Francesca.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Joe’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.