Vito “Big V” Benigni, of Oakland, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 4, 2025. He was 76.

A beloved brother, uncle, and friend, Vito will be dearly missed and forever remembered for his inherent kindness, good humor, and infectious smile. For over 46 years, he worked as a dedicated plasterer, (Plasterers & Cement Mason Local 300) earning the profound respect of his peers for his integrity and unwavering loyalty. As a retiree, he found enjoyment in volunteering at Castro Valley Coin & Currency (where his nephew Apollo worked). It enabled Vito to stay social and gave him a strong sense of purpose.

Born on January 5, 1949 in Oakland and raised in Oakland, where he graduated from Oakland Technical High School, Vito is preceded in death by his parents, Pasquale (Italy) and Dina (Chicago) Benigni.

Vito is survived by his brother, Floyd Benigni (San Leandro), his nieces, Dina (Pleasanton) and Althea (Oakland) Benigni, his nephew, Apollo Benigni (Concord); great-niece, Emeri and great-nephew Kade Benigni (Apollo) and his great-nephews, Sebastian and Tristian Benigni Bogaards (Dina).

Although Vito did not have children of his own, the kids in his extended family never felt anything less than his first priority. He remembered every birthday, attended every school graduation, and was always first person to enthusiastically get on the dance floor at family celebrations.

He possessed the unique and wonderful ability to be both a fun-loving companion and a positive role model and anchor in their lives. His involved, interests, and boundless encouragement were never out of obligation, but rather born from a genuine and abiding love. In every sense that truly matters, he loved them all like his own.

Now that he is gone, Vito’s family already recognizes how much they miss his voice, his infectious laughter, and his endless stories. They find themselves quoting him without even realizing it, and they will forever hold onto the memory of that twinkle in his eye and his signature smile under that big, beautiful mustache.

Vito’s family will always treasure the memories of his loving kindness, resilience and his humor, the core qualities that made him so deeply loved by all that knew him.

A service will take place at Piedmont Funeral Services on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 10 a.m., followed by burial at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

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