Vito’s friends gathered for a Halloween birthday party he had asked for, with cake and music. The 97-year-old Los Angeles man danced with them that night and, according to his friends, died peacefully after the celebration, surrounded by loved ones.
The party was documented by Eden Malinoff, who runs the Los Angeles baking business Baked and shared the video on November 2, 2026. According to Globe Magazine, Malinoff described Vito as a beloved member of her friend group, most of whom are in their 20s and 30s. He had turned 97 the week before but wanted to celebrate on Halloween.
Malinoff said Vito’s advice for a long life was to “never drink cheap liquor.” As Yahoo reported, that inspired her to make a red wine chocolate cake for the party.
A Dance to Remember
In the video, Vito claps and sways with friends to the Bee Gees’ 1977 hit “Stayin’ Alive.” A friend later said in a comment that Vito died that night.
Caleb Turner, who identified himself in a comment on Malinoff’s post as Vito’s best friend, said Vito died after guests sang “Happy Birthday.” Turner wrote that Vito passed peacefully with his favorite music playing. He also said Vito had medical issues whose severity his friends had not known, and that Vito had still been able to dance and enjoy the party.
Malinoff later said in her video that Vito had been with people he loved as they celebrated his life. Her post’s caption remembered him as a legend.
A Video That Struck a Nerve
The video’s account of a birthday celebration followed by news of Vito’s death drew online attention. The Daily Mail reported that the clip had more than eight million views within days.
Comments on Malinoff’s post included differing responses to the news of Vito’s death.
Aging in Los Angeles County
Population trends and community programs
According to Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities, the county population aged 65 and older is projected to grow from 1.44 million in 2020 to more than 2.32 million by 2040, a 61% increase, based on an analysis of state Department of Finance data by the Public Policy Institute of California. For national context, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the population aged 65 and older reached 55.8 million in 2020, up 38.6% from 2010. These figures do not provide a comparable California estimate or the county’s actual decade-over-decade change. Separate from Vito’s private gathering, Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities says its community and senior centers offer social activities and opportunities for community engagement, socialization and healthy living. The information does not specify particular dance programs, locations or schedules.
For national context, the U.S. population age 65 and older reached 55.8 million in 2020, a 38.6% increase from 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That national figure does not specify how many Los Angeles County residents are 90 or older.
No further details about Vito’s full identity, the cause of his death or an official account beyond his friends’ comments have been reported. The account shared by those close to him describes a 97th birthday celebration, a dance and a death among loved ones.
