Vito Dies at 97 After Dancing at His Birthday Party

Published November 4, 2026. Vito died at his 97th birthday celebration in California last week, shortly after dancing to the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” and singing “Happy Birthday” with friends. His neighbor, Los Angeles baker Eden Malinoff, shared video from the party on TikTok, including footage of Vito clapping and swaying to the music.

Malinoff made a red wine chocolate cake for the Halloween-themed gathering. She said Vito had been full of energy and that, at 24, she could not keep pace with him. In her tribute, she described him as surrounded by loved ones and said the party reflected how he would have wanted to spend his final moments.

A friend of Vito’s confirmed online that he died peacefully with his favorite music playing. The friend said Vito had medical problems whose seriousness was not known to those around him. Malinoff’s video drew 9.5 million views on TikTok, prompting tributes as well as criticism from some viewers who questioned her lighthearted tone. She replied that they believed Vito was ready to go and that he had lived a long life.