| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vivienne Ruth Snyder DeVito |
| Birth Date | July 23, 1926 |
| Birth Place | Harvey, Cook County, Illinois |
| Death Date | September 2, 1986 |
| Death Place | Los Angeles, California |
| Spouse | Sebastiano DeVito |
| Children | Karla DeVito (b. 1953) |
| Resting Place | Saint Johns United Church of Christ Cemetery, Mokena, IL |
Early Life and Background
Vivienne Ruth Snyder DeVito was born in Harvey, Cook County, Illinois, on July 23, 1926, to Ray Henry Snyder and Cecelia M. Wildman, who fostered community and strong morals. Second of three children, she grew up alongside siblings Raymond Francis Snyder and Marilyn June Seeley in a humble Midwestern home with strong family ties. Despite sparse records of her personal life, her Illinois upbringing fostered a lifelong dedication to familial support and set the stage for her descendants’ artistic success.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Parents | Ray Henry Snyder & Cecelia M. Wildman |
| Siblings | Raymond Francis Snyder, Marilyn June Seeley |
| Childhood Home | Harvey, Cook County, Illinois |
| Early Influences | Community values, family solidarity |
Marriage and Children
In the early 1950s, Vivienne married Sebastiano DeVito, an immigrant whose heritage and work ethic matched hers, forming a relationship that valued family, cultural pride, and artistic aspiration. Their union produced Karla DeVito, their only daughter, on May 29, 1953, in Mokena, Illinois, where Vivienne’s influence would shape her music and performance career. Vivienne’s role as a dedicated wife and mother offered a stable environment that allowed Karla to pursue theater, touring, and global musical collaborations.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Sebastiano DeVito (1922–1961) |
| Marriage | Early 1950s |
| Child | Karla DeVito (b. May 29, 1953) |
| Family Focus | Cultural heritage, support for artistic pursuits |
Influence on Daughter’s Career
Vivienne’s steadfast support and early promotion of Karla’s talents helped her daughter succeed in tough artistic situations, from local theater stages to worldwide concert tours. Her mentorship during Karla’s childhood, including travel to rehearsals and introductions to industry contacts, built confidence and professional discipline needed for Broadway and rock music success. Vivienne’s strategic advice and caring presence helped Karla move from regional performances to high-profile collaborations with Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf, mostly behind the scenes.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Daughter | Karla DeVito |
| Early Support | Rehearsal coordination, industry introductions |
| Key Collaborations | Godspell, Bat Out of Hell tours |
| Professional Traits | Confidence, discipline, artistic versatility |
Legacy and Remembrance
Vivienne, 60, died in Los Angeles on September 2, 1986, leaving a legacy of silent sacrifice, persistent devotion, and a lasting impact on her family’s story. Her grave in Saint Johns United Church of Christ Cemetery in Mokena, Illinois, allows family and friends to honor her legacy. Though her personal achievements were barely chronicled, her daughter, grandchildren, and extended family continue to demonstrate her vital position in the DeVito lineage.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Death Date | September 2, 1986 |
| Age at Death | 60 |
| Burial Location | Saint Johns United Church of Christ Cemetery, Mokena, IL |
| Memorial Significance | Place of homage for family continuity and remembrance |
Family Contributions in Entertainment
Karla, Vivienne’s daughter, has carried on her mother’s beliefs through her powerful vocals and stage presence internationally. Robby Benson, Vivienne’s son-in-law, voiced the Beast in Disney’s animated film and directed episodes of popular TV shows. These multi-generational contributions demonstrate the lasting legacy of Vivienne’s early devotion to artistic discovery and her daughter’s unshakable determination to respecting her mother’s vision through performance and production.
| Family Member | Role | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Karla DeVito | Daughter | Released new music in 2024 and toured internationally |
| Robby Benson | Son-in-law | Voiced the Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast |
| Lyric & Zephyr | Grandchildren | Represent third generation of creative legacy |
Continued Family Growth
The DeVito-Benson family welcomed their third grandchild in 2025, strengthening the family links Vivienne started decades ago. Vivienne’s grandson and his wife welcomed this new addition, demonstrating the endurance of family structures she helped build and the relevance of shared heritage in creating each new life. In Michigan, where Karla and Robby live, family reunions, musical collaborations, and storytelling traditions honor Vivienne’s legacy.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Grandchildren | Three |
| Third Grandchild | Born in early 2025 |
| Family Residence | Michigan, USA |
| Ongoing Traditions | Gatherings, musical collaborations, storytelling |
FAQ
Who was Vivienne DeVito?
She was married to Sebastiano DeVito and mother to Karla.
When and where was Vivienne DeVito born?
She was born July 23, 1926, in Harvey, Cook County, Illinois.
Who was her husband?
Karla was Vivienne’s daughter with Sebastiano DeVito.
Who are her descendants?
She had daughter Karla DeVito and three grandchildren.
Where is Vivienne DeVito buried?
Saint Johns United Church of Christ Cemetery in Mokena, Illinois, holds her.
