Vita LoPresti

In Loving Memory of Vita LoPresti

January 6, 1933 – July 17, 2026

It is with profound sadness and immense gratitude for a life beautifully lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Vita LoPresti on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the age of 93.

Born on January 6, 1933, in Regalbuto, Sicily, a Province of Catania, Vita lived a life defined by unconditional love, unwavering devotion, resilience, and grace. She often spoke fondly of her childhood and her close-knit family, affectionately recalling the hardworking parents and cherished memories that shaped her life. As the eldest daughter of six children, she lovingly cared for her siblings with the same nurturing spirit that would later define her role as a wife, daughter-in-law, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt, niece, cousin, friend and an adoring and devoted light in the lives of all of those her presence touched. She is survived by her beloved sister, Domenica, of Catania, Sicily.

Vita is also survived by her devoted children: Rosalia LoPresti, Joseph LoPresti and his wife, Martha, Salvatore LoPresti and his late wife, Anna. She also leaves behind cherished grandchildren: Laurel Fratus and her husband, Vince Fratus, Leslie Mendoza, and her late grandson, Jonathan Mendoza, whose memory she carried in her heart every day, Alyssa Abramson and her husband, Jonathan Abramson, Jonathan LoPresti, and Nicholas LoPresti, as well as treasured great-grandchildren: Trinity Mendoza, Jainalyn Bustamante, Mariah Fratus, Gianna Mendoza, Vincent Fratus III, Jayden Mendoza, Jonathan Mendoza, Jr., and Kingston Mendoza, each of whom brought immeasurable joy to her life.

In the early 1950’s, while attending a dance in Catania, Vita met Onofrio LoPresti; the man who would become the love of her life. Their courtship blossomed into a beautiful marriage in 1951 that spanned 65 years until Onofrio's passing in 2016. Together, they built a life rooted in profound commitment and unconditional love.

In 1963, Vita and Onofrio immigrated to the United States, raising their family first in the Bronx and later on Long Island. Her family was her greatest purpose and life's work. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and everyone in her life; always placing their happiness and well-being before her own.

To those who knew Vita, she was the heart of the family; the irreplaceable light that held everyone together. She was the keeper of traditions, the peacemaker, the nurturer, and the source of steadfast love and support. Her warm smile, gentle spirit, and generous heart made everyone feel welcomed, comforted, and deeply loved.

Her kitchen was the soul of her home. Vita was an extraordinary cook who expressed her love through magnificent holiday feasts and cherished Sicilian traditions. Family gatherings were centered around her homemade culinary expertise. Her homemade cookies and baked delicacies were hallmarks of family traditions. Every meal she prepared was an expression of her love, and every seat at her table was a reminder of her devotion to her family.

Vita was also a woman of remarkable strength. She courageously battled and defeated breast cancer. Throughout her later years, she faced and overcame countless, seemingly insurmountable health challenges with determination and dignity. In the end, however, after fighting the good fight with the same courage that defined her entire life, she peacefully passed surrounded by the love of her family.

The measure of a life is not found in years alone but, also, in the love it leaves behind. By that measure, Vita LoPresti lived an extraordinary life. She built more than a home; she built a family grounded in love, sacrifice, sincerity, and unwavering devotion.

Though our hearts are broken, we are forever grateful for the privilege of having been loved by her. She was our matriarch, our safe harbor, a guiding light in our lives, and the heart of our family. Her love will remain with us always.

May Vita dwell in Paradise, embraced by the Lord’s peace, love, and prosperity, and may she be reunited with her beloved husband, Onofrio, her cherished grandson Jonathan, and all of those who passed before her. She will be forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.