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Dominic Vivona

1932 - 2020

BORN

1932

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

James A. McAlister Cremation

1620 Savannah Highway

Charleston, South Carolina

Dominic Vivona Obituary

Dominic Anthony Vivona Mt. Pleasant - Dominic Vivona, of Mount Pleasant, SC, and formerly of Miami, Florida, passed away on August 4, 2020 at the age of 88 due to complications from COVID-19. He is survived by his loving wife, Helena McKay-Vivona, and his children, Dominic Vivona, Jr. (Debi), Pia Dobos (Scott), Marco Vivona (Lourdes) and Dario Vivona (Joseph), and his step-children, Frederick McKay, Jr. (Claudia), and Beth McKay Fisher (John). He was a loving grandfather to Dominic III, Thomas, Maddalena, Anthony, Sophia (Vivona), Zachary, Marc, Matthew (Dobos) and Marco (Vivona) and proud step-grandfather to Carson, Erin, and Madison (Fisher), Laura and Elizabeth (Kirby). He is also survived by younger brother, Philip Vivona (Jane), his many nieces, nephews and his entire carnival family. Dominic was preceded in death by his first loving wife, Maddalena, his parents, Antonio and Catherine Rose, 3 older brothers, Morris, John, Sebastian and sister, Ann Fontana. Born in Newark, NJ and raised in Irvington, NJ, Dominic was a proud graduate from Duke University in 1954. While at Duke University, Dominic was manager of the Duke soccer team and member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He has been an avid Duke fan and member of the Duke Alumni Association ever since. After Duke, Dominic joined his four brothers, Morris, John, Sebastian, and Philip in their traveling carnival business. The family business, formerly called The Vivona Brothers Combined Shows, began with the purchase of a celebrated ferris wheel from the 1939 World's Fair in NYC. The brothers strived for a national image and by the 1950s rebranded the carnival as Amusements of America. Since the mid-century, Amusements of America grew into one of the largest traveling carnival companies in the USA playing fairs across the Eastern USA as well as several fairs in Ontario and Quebec, Canada. Dominic was an entrepreneur his entire life. He dedicated his life to the carnival business and through the years became an industry legend. As a celebrated and honored industry leader, Dominic led the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) as its Chairman in 1994. He received many awards and recognitions for his contributions and achievements. He was a member of Miami Showmen's Association, Miami Friars' Club, New York Showmen's Association, Showmen's League of America, and Tampa Showmen's Association. He was also a proud recipient of the New Jersey Amusement Association Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the Vivona family. His family's carnival business crossed paths many times with local and national circuses, where he met and married the late Maddalena Mangiavacchi, whose family were the celebrated Zacchini Brothers. They were happily married for 33 years. In the early 1970s, Amusements of America relocated from New Jersey to Miami, Florida, where Dominic expanded the business, raising millions of dollars for Catholic Schools during winter months over the years. After Maddalena's untimely death in 1999, Dominic found love and happiness with Helena McKay-Vivona of Mount Pleasant. They were happily married for 17 years. Dominic and Helena found love and happiness in good food, travel, entertaining friends and family, and blending both of their families while managing the carnival. Dominic valued hard work, love and laughter. He lived his life passionately leading with these traits. Dominic loved his work and family. He always showed kindness and respect for others, and was well-respected and liked by all who knew him. Dominic was much loved and will be missed and remembered well. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christ Our King Roman Catholic Church attended by immediate family. The Rite of Committal will take place at Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens. For the link to the livestream of the Funeral Mass, please visit Dominic's memorial page at www.CharlestonFunerals.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be accepted by the OABA Scholarship Fund or The Charleston Catholic School. Please visit www.oaba.org or www.charlestoncatholic.com for more details about donating. Cards and condolences can be sent to: 1000 Johnny Dodds Blvd, Suite C, PMB 129, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER, Inc. (843) 766-1365. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Aug. 8 to Aug. 9, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Dominic Vivona

Sponsored by James A. McAlister Cremation.

Not sure what to say?





WW Knox

November 28, 2020

Dom thank you for your guidance and friiendship gator bill

Randall & Peggy Clemons

August 13, 2020

Our sympathy to the family. He was a great amusement leader and we appreciate having the opportunity to know him. His great smile will always be a memory. Randall & Peggy Clemons

Dennis Clark

August 12, 2020

I've known, and worked with Dominic since 1965, traveling around with him and his brothers, especially "Babe". He , along with his first wife Maddalena were exceptional people. He is the reason I am a Duke Basketball fan. May he rest in eternal peace, in the arms of Our Lord.

Joyce Matthews

August 12, 2020

So sorry to hear about Dominic. you will be in my prayers always.
Joyce Matthews

Alison Owens

August 12, 2020

Such a kind and generous soul.

Patti Thomas

August 12, 2020

He was the sweetest man in the world

Carroll Wynn

August 12, 2020

Thank you for being a friend and a father figure to me

R Stephen Best Sr

August 12, 2020

To Helena, Dom, Marco and Family: Sheree and I were so very saddened to hear of Dominic's passing. He was a man of strong integrity and impeccable character. Our friendship over the past 34 years at the Chesapeake Jubilee, grew from a professional association to one of a deep and abiding respect for Dominic and all that he represented. We always looked forward to our opportunity to visit and talk, especially each month of May, when Amusements of America would arrive for our annual fesitval. We shall forever miss that association.

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Vivona family during this time of loss. We pray that God will keep you and surround you with His everlasting peace and that any grief you may experience will be quickly replaced by many, many fond memories of Dominic.

Stephen and Sheree Best

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Colleen Tsao

Planted Trees

Warm Embrace Arrangement

Cathy Spidle

Sent Flowers

Philip (Al) Stiles

August 11, 2020

Fred, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.

Paula Drzewicki

August 11, 2020

Dear Dario, Joe, and the entire Vivona clan - We are all saddened to hear of your loss and so touched by the loving, wonderful tribute to Dominic. Please know you are all in our thoughts, Love, Paula, Robert, Maya, Kayla Drzewicki

Mike Inman

August 11, 2020

Dominic was a great man. He will be missed. He brought joy and happiness to countless people. We were privileged to work the Amusements of America for many years at The Georgia State Fair. May God bless you and comfort you as you live with this loss.

The Charles Inman Family
Macon, Ga

Mike & Barbara Pickett

August 11, 2020

To a wonderful life filled with love of for God, family, friends and all those who's loves he touched.

" Dominic may God bless you and keep you by his side, may he continue to watch over your family and bless them with health and strength. " Amen

Ally, Walter, and Charlotte Jenkins

August 11, 2020

Sending prayers and condolences to the entire Vivona family.

Dale & Sue Bush

August 10, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. You are the heart and soul of Amusements of America

Lynn Lamey

August 10, 2020

We have lost a dear, dear friend and will miss him mightily. May he be at peace. Our love to him and his wonderful family.

Michael Lariscy

August 10, 2020

A pillar in the entertainment industry, he was such a compassionate man. I remember as always having a wonderful smile and a kind word. He will be missed.

Melvin E MELTON

August 10, 2020

Rest in peace Dominic, you will remain in our thoughts and our hearts until we meet again.
Prayers for the family
Mel and tutti

C Wyluda

August 10, 2020

sorry to hear about this- A of A has been in NJ forever. Spo many sad COVID stories.

Vinnie Curci

August 10, 2020

Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember Uncle Dom. May the love of family and friends comfort all during these difficult days,
Our most heartfelt condolences.
Love, Vinnie & Wendy

Roberta Gershkowitz

August 10, 2020

He was a warm and gentle man whose endearing personality will be missed

David Blanchard

August 10, 2020

Dominic was an inspiration to us all, and will be sorely missed.

Elizabeth Antony

August 10, 2020

Our heartfelt condolences to the Vivona family
Our family will always treasure the beautiful memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rich and Denise Ricci

August 10, 2020

My memories of Uncle Dom are etched in smiles and laughter. He was clearly brilliant but sometimes inattentive to his surroundings as if lost in his thoughts. This led to hilarious situations that he never failed to find the humor in, even though in doing so, he laughed at himself. He had that rare ability to not take himself too seriously. He was generous almost to a fault and the kind of uncle who always made you feel special.

He brought two very amazing women into our family. First my beloved Aunt Maddalena, who was goodness through and through, and then our much loved Helena, who brings Southern charm mixed with spunk and joy.

We will miss Uncle Dom very much but take comfort in the fact that he is reunited with Aunt Maddalena, his parents, my mother and his brothers. We send our heartfelt condolences to Helena, our cousins and their families.

Edward Bernard

August 9, 2020

Helena, Condolences on your loss. I know you were very happy. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Love ya. Ed Bernard

William Pardo

August 9, 2020

Dominic will be missed. RIP Dominic

Barbara Bell

August 9, 2020

Condolences to the entire family. R.I.P. Dominic

Karen Moro

August 9, 2020

Uncle Dom, You were GREAT MAN and will be missed so much by all of your family and friends. My sincere condolences to Helena and all of Uncle Dom's children. The world will be an empty place without him

Erv and Helen Kuhlwein

August 8, 2020

Our condolences to the entire Vivona family on the loss of Dominec. I had the pleasure of doing business with the carnival for 20 plus years and always looked forward to seeing everyone annually. God bless Dominec.

Greg Inman And Family

August 8, 2020

Uncle Dom,
You Will Missed Beyond Measure. The Knowledge And Wisdom You Instilled In Me Will Be Taken With Me Throughout My Lifetime.

HENRY TINDAL

August 8, 2020

Our prayers are with the Vivona family during this season of bereavement. Dominic was a fine man and always a gentleman.

Anthony Masiello

August 8, 2020

Heaven just got better with Uncle Dom there!!!!

Olympia Zacchini

August 8, 2020

Love Olympia and family

Beautiful Arrangement Sent By Josh Macaroni and Amanda Stine

Marco Vivona

August 7, 2020

Thank you Josh and Amanda for the very creative and beautiful flower arrangement.

Jeff and Renee Dobos

August 7, 2020

Dominic was a great man, a wonderful family man and embraced life to the fullest. His prescense will be missed mostly by his children and grandchildren.

Juanita Riddell

August 7, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Dick Rowland

August 7, 2020

Dom was one of my best friends in the fair business. He and his brothers were always there to educate people on the carnival life and lend a helping hand to all. It was always a great pleasure to welcome them to the Saratoga County Fair each year and hear of his family and the life he so loved.

To the Vivona Family know that our family shares with you the loss of a truly great man and that someday we will all get to play that carnival date together.

Mark Smith

August 7, 2020

He was a good man

Sandra and John Vivona

August 6, 2020

We love you Uncle Dom and will miss our talks especially on our convention trips. We promise to keep making you proud. Love John, Sandra, Hailey, Johnny and Philip

Kathryn Ann Vivona Fedina

August 6, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful man and uncle.
I loved you from the day I was born. I will love you and miss you always.
Your niece,
Kathryn Ann

John Whitfield

August 6, 2020

Dominic was a wonderful acquaintance for many years. Seeing him at the Trade Shows, at the MIami Showmen's Assn, and having lunch on a couple occasions were experiences I shall never forget. He was a powerhouse in the Industry and I enjoyed knowing him. May Dom rest in peace and may God protect his soul.

Mary Bunch

August 6, 2020

Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers! Much love, Bean (Mary) and Mark Bunch

Gasper Marino

August 6, 2020

May God bless the Vivona’s. Dominic was a true gentleman, and I’m fortunate to call him my friend.

Showing 1 - 47 of 47 results

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Funeral services provided by:

James A. McAlister Cremation

1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407

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