Vinny was born in the Bronx, New York, to Arthur and Anne Vielandi on February 28, 1959. He was the youngest of three children. He cherished his memories of growing up in the Bronx—playing street games with neighborhood friends and knowing it was time to come home when the streetlights came on.
Vinny was the proud father of three sons: Vincent, Anthony, and Michael.
Vinny’s adult life was not always easy. He faced many challenges and difficult times, eventually making his home in Phoenix more than 20 years ago. During the last three years of his life, he found a sense of peace, purpose, and self-worth. He came to realize how deeply he was loved by family and friends, and he learned to love himself as well.
Unfortunately, those years also brought numerous health challenges, which he faced with remarkable strength, courage, and determination.
Vinny passed away at home from a heart attack on June 10, 2026.
In the end, Vinny found the peace he had long searched for and was surrounded by the love of family and friends who never stopped caring for him. May he rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his brother, Arthur (Joanne); his sister, Deborah Rico (Rick); his sons, Vincent, Anthony, and Michael; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his two nieces, Tina Rico Smith and Vanessa Vielandi Delgado.
In celebration of Vinny’s life, memorial donations may be made to Starts With the Heart (startswiththeheart.com) or Life Recovery Church (theliferecoverychurch.com), two causes that were especially meaningful to him.
His memorial and Celebration of Life will be held on June 29, 2026, at 9:00 am at Life Recovery Church, 32234 N Calle De Los Arboles,Cave Creek, AZ 85331.
