Vito Bongiorno

Vito Bongiorno, a long-time resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota, died suddenly at his home on June 24, 2025.

Vito was born on October 2, 1947 in Pittsburgh, PA to Vito and Maria Bongiorno and was the youngest of seven children. He graduated from Langley High School and earned a full scholarship to Carnegie Mellon University, where he graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1969. He was welcomed into the prestigious Tau Beta Pi Society of Engineers, the oldest engineering honor society and the second oldest collegiate honor society in the United States. It honors engineering students in American universities who have shown a history of academic achievement as well as a commitment to personal and professional integrity. Vito has been a strong supporter of his alma mater for the past 40 years.

After graduating, Vito moved to Minneapolis to continue his studies at the University of Minnesota. Although he began working initially as a chemical engineer at a large company in Minnesota, he soon discovered his love of computers and spent the rest of his career at Cray Inc. demonstrating the many benefits and advantages of their products. His territory included Japan and other Far Eastern countries. Following his retirement, Vito continued to attend professional computer conferences and occasionally enjoyed getting together with other Cray retirees.

Vito was an active member and supporter of the Italian Cultural Society in Minneapolis, where he enjoyed celebrating his Italian heritage with the other members. He committed himself to learning fluent Italian by studying the language in Italy, where he was also able to visit family members living in Rome.

One of Vito’s favorite activities was ballroom dancing, which he pursued with great enthusiasm. He loved learning new dance routines with the Heart of Dance group while socializing with the other dancers.

Another preferred pastime for Vito was playing golf, and he would search out local golf courses to play on when he traveled. He enjoyed following the major golf tournaments throughout the country.

Vito was preceded in death by his parents, Vito and Maria Bongiorno, his oldest brother Amadeo Bongiorno (Philomena), his sisters Angelina Zortea (Gene) and June Johnson (Fran), and his former wife Diane Bongiorno. He is survived by his brothers Gennaro (Paula) and John Bongiorno (Judy), his sister Mary Bongiorno, his nephews and nieces Philip Bongiorno (Linda), Amadeo Bongiorno (Marjean), Lisa Bongiorno (Riche Castine), Robert Bongiorno (Kim), Tony Zortea (Karen), Eugene Zortea, Monica Zortea (Steve Galante), Susan Zortea, Michelle Ferrone (Steve) , Maria Catalano, Steve Bongiorno (Ann), Vanessa Bongiorno, and numerous grand-nephews and grand-nieces.

A Celebration of Life for Vito will be held in Maryland in August at the time of a family reunion.