Vincent John "Jim" LaVigna Jr.

Vincent John LaVigna Jr., "Jim" a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and proud U.S. Army veteran, passed away peacefully at Halifax Health, ICU on August 4, 2025, at the age of 80.

Born in Troy, New York October 22, 1944, Vincent was raised in the tight-knit community of Mechanicville, where he quickly stood out for both his athleticism and intellect. A gifted student with a sharp mind for mathematics, he balanced the classroom with the football field and basketball court before going on to earn his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Siena College, Loudonville, NY.

In 1967, Vincent was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era. He served as a food inspector and was Honorably Discharged as a SP5 (E5) after two years of service. Upon returning home a few years later, fate introduced him to Phyllis Benacquisto of Schenectady, NY, after a night at the Saratoga Harness track and Joe Collins Bar. Their first date took place at Hoffman's Playland, accompanied by Phyllis' young daughter, Michele, and her nephew, Keith. They married in November 1971, and Vincent proudly adopted Michele as his own.

In the years that followed, Vincent and Phyllis welcomed two sons: Michael in 1972 and Matthew in 1974. He provided for his family with unwavering commitment, working for General Electric in Waterford, New York. His financial role with GE then took the family to Milan, Italy in 1977. After three enriching years abroad, the LaVigna's relocated to Damascus, Maryland and eventually made their home in Coral Springs, Florida.

Vincent's career spanned several prominent corporations, and he also pursued a variety of entrepreneurial ventures. In 1994, he and Phyllis moved to Daytona Beach, where Vincent later began his long-standing service with the Diocese of Orlando, Florida. For 25 years, Vince diligently managed operations at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Port Orange, Florida. Retiring in 2022, Vince devoted his time and energy to supporting Phyllis' mental health agency, Counseling & Disability Services, LLC.

Vincent was the steady heart of his family; wise, kind, and unwavering in his love and support. He was a man of quiet strength, quick wit, and deep loyalty. Whether offering advice, sharing stories, or simply being present, he made an unforgettable impact on everyone who knew him. He was, in every sense, a legend, a beautiful man with a loving heart and his deep love for sports. He was a proud Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees fan. He also loved playing Texas Hold-Em with Phyllis' poker friends. Vince's legacy lives on in his family and in the countless individuals he touched with developmental disabilities with the Sunset Civitan Club.

Vincent is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis; his children, Michele, Michael, and Matthew; his cherished grandchildren, Brooke and Vincent; his brother, Teddy; cousin, Dr. Joseph Zurlo; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 10 a.m., Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Port Orange, Florida, with his Knights of Columbus, and military honors following the Mass.

The family wishes to thank Davita Dialysis, Kelly, RN and the Vital Caring Group, Trish, RN for their diligent nursing care. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Amyloidosis Foundation, 7151 N. Main Street, Suite 2, Clarkston, MI 48346 (www.amyloidosis.org). The family wishes to thank the Daytona Heart Group for Dr. Vance Wilson's continued education and support with ATTR-CM Amyloidosis in Vince's last three years.

He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.