Vincent Anthony Benassi

Vincent Anthony Benassi passed away peacefully the evening of November 9th, 2025. Vincent had been hospitalized since August 7th for seizures and fought everyday while there to return home to his family. We would not say he lost the battle, rather overcame so many challenges and obstacles set before him. Vincent was a true warrior, and his battlefield was full of stamina, courage and strength.

Vincent did everything on his time – what he wanted, when he wanted, and when he was ready. If he was going to do it, it had to be done on his time. That was present from the very beginning. Vincent’s due date was at the end of December. We were hoping for a tax break and of course Vincent had other plans. The ball dropped on New Year’s Eve, we headed to the hospital, and Vincent arrived not long after the start of the new year. We did not know what challenges Vincent would face during his first year of life. At six months of age, Vincent was diagnosed with Polymicrogyria. At the time, the neurology doctor could not tell us if he would walk, talk, smile, or read a book because no two kids with Polymicrogyria are the same. As frustrating as that was, it ended up being a blessing. It meant that Vincent would do what he wanted, when he was ready. At just over four years of age, Vincent had his first medical event that included a stroke and seizures. He lost movement on one side of his body and doctors were not hopeful he would regain movement and functionality. Well, he did. Unfortunately, Vincent ended up having four more medical events spanning the last six years of his life. Every stay, the doctors would say – well, there is the textbook way, and then there is the Vincent way. He puzzled doctors with his resiliency. He won the hearts of his nurses with his smiles and giggles. He left a lasting impression with all who encountered him.

When we chose the name Vincent, we did not know the meaning of the name. The name Vincent means to conquer and that he certainly did! Vincent conquered how to love vs hate. How peace can heal vs war. How to show compassion vs indifferences. Vincent’s capabilities are nothing short of remarkable. The most powerful of all is how he had never spoken a single word yet had touched so many hearts. People were drawn to him. They would get up from across the room and come to him to learn and understand more. Vincent’s impact reached across the states to people who have never met him. We often heard that Vincent was so lucky to have us as parents and it was quite the opposite. We were so fortunate to call him ours. Our hearts are forever enlarged because loving him was such a gift.

Vincent loved going to school to see his teachers and hanging with his buddies. He enjoyed watching movies such as Moana, Coco and Home Alone. Vincent cherished his time with his Grandmas when they would read books to him. He treasured his big sister, Charlotte, especially when she crawled into bed with him and rambled on about all the juicy school gossip. It would bring great joy to Vincent when his little brother, Thomas, would designate him as linebacker when he played football in the house. Vincent always felt protected by his big brother George. To mess with Vincent meant you would need to get past George first. Tony and I will miss Vincent’s contagious laugh. It was infectious. Vincent would laugh randomly and at great lengths. The sound of his laughter will play on repeat in our hearts forever.

Vincent will be forever missed by his parents, Tony and Joanne Benassi; siblings, George, Charlotte, Thomas; grandparents, Kenneth and Diane Iler, Barb Benassi, John and Susan Benassi; aunts and uncles, Julie (Kevin) St. Jean, Jan (Chris) Wilmot, Jimmy (Jessie) Iler, Dana (Nate Peterson) Benassi, Kristina (Pablo) Vargas; cousins, Andrew Zorn, Owen Zorn, Franklin Iler, Bennett Iler, Landon Peterson; many other family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, November 16, 2025 at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m.