Exclusive | California 96-year-old who died at birthday after dancing to Stayin Alive is IDd as local legend as friend reveals secret health battle
A 96-year-old California man who died at his Halloween-themed birthday party after dancing to “Stayin’ Alive” has been identified as a “local legend” in West Los Angeles.TikTok’s viral “Vito” is actually 96-year-old Vito Justin Martinaitis, who partied with his young friends at his Santa Monica home moments before passing away last month.Caleb Hunter, 34, who told The Post that Martinaitis named him one of his “greatest best friends” in the days before he died, said he was well-known in Venice and was the “life of the party” even in his advanced age.The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.
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Never miss a story “He was not a normal 96-year-old,” Hunter said, noting he went out multiple times a week and even jumped his fence a few weeks before his death.Martinaitis lived alone, Hunter said, since his wife died a few years ago.Hunter believed he was in good physical health before his sudden death.Martinaitis was originally from Chicago and worked as an architect before settling in California, his friend said.The older man was a neighbor of one of Hunter’s friends and made fast pals with him and his much younger friendship group.
Martinaitis said the younger friend group made him “feel so alive,” according to Hunter.“He was just our best friend,” he said.“We hung out with him at least a couple of times a week, either doing dinner, hanging out at his place or inviting him over, and then we would go to Mass every Sunday at 5:30.
He was an amazing person.”California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post Opinion California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up he...