BENICIA, CALIF.
William Kane Vizza passed away peacefully at his home in Benicia, Calif., on June 8, 2026, with his family by his side. He was 84 years old. Born on May 26, 1942, in North Charleroi, William was raised in nearby Belle Vernon, where he spent his childhood playing outdoors, eating his mother’s home cooked meals, and parking cars at far too young an age for his uncle’s club downtown. In 1961, William enrolled at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. A gifted singer, he was part of the Naval Catholic Choir and performed in the procession of John F. Kennedy’s funeral, a moment that had a profound impact on him. Following graduation, he embarked on a distinguished 24-year career in the United States Navy as a civil engineer. A proud Vietnam veteran, William served his country with honor and dedication, with assignments that took him around the world, including tours in Guam, Korea and Diego Garcia. He retired from military service in 1985. Throughout his life, William lived in several communities he came to cherish. He spent time in Napa during the late 1970s and early 1980s and again from 2010 to 2020, lived in San Ramon for the 20 years in between where he became a part of his youngest daughter’s dance community, even performing himself a few times in their annual Nutcracker performance. The last couple years of his life, he made his home in Benicia, where he enjoyed the company of his youngest granddaughter every day. William embraced life with enthusiasm and a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures. He enjoyed playing golf, tennis, and bocce, and he was a passionate fan of the San Francisco Giants, San Francisco 49ers, and Golden State Warriors. Proud of his Italian heritage, William never passed up an opportunity to enjoy a good pizza, a plate of pasta, and the company of those he loved. William was an ardent animal lover, owning many pets throughout his life. He volunteered for years at the Napa County Animal Shelter walking dogs and he was a committed supporter of Ripple Effect Animal Project. His faithful cat, Buster, was a constant companion who laid on his lap until the very end. William is survived by his daughters, Lori Vizza, Lisa Vizza and Kristi Jackson and her husband, Nicholaus Jackson; his sons, Kelley Roberts and his wife, Heidi, and Scott Vizza and his partner, Audrey Taylor; his sister, Kathy Dunmeyer; and his cherished grandchildren, Trinity, Noah, and Zadie. He also leaves behind numerous extended family members and friends who will miss his warmth and humour. Fair winds and following seas, William. Your service, love, and legacy will never be forgotten.
