Donald Vincent “Vini” Heller, 79, passed away on September 19, 2026, at Whittier Hospital Medical Center in California. Born on May 11, 1947, in Oak Park, Illinois. His father, Charles, moved the family to Downey, California when Vini was 5 years old. He graduated from Downey Senior High School and Cerritos College. He resided in La Mirada, California at the time of his death.

Vini lived his life as a musician, songwriter and composer. As a guitarist for the Starfires, he performed on the Los Angeles-based TV show “9th Street West,” hosted by DJ Sam Riddle on KHJ-TV.

He co-wrote the song "Peace, Love and Sunday Morning" for his favorite radio station, The Sound 100.3fm.

He was a devout disciple of The Living Church of God and composed music and performed for his church.

Music was Vini’s lifelong passion, with the guitar as his favorite instrument. In his youth, he loved surfing with friends at Huntington Beach. As an adult, he was a devoted fan of the California Angels. Vini cherished spending time with his family. Others knew him for his love of dad jokes and the joy he found in sharing them with others.

Vini is survived by his son, Matthew Michael Heller, his sister, Kathleen Heller, and his niece, Azure Everett. Preceding him in death were his mother, Mabel Bernice Heller; his father, Charles Vincent Heller; and his niece, Sherry Belcher Everett.

Vini will be deeply missed and remembered by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His love of music, family, the Angels, surfing, and a good dad joke will remain part of the memories they carry with them.

Vini will be laid to rest at the Downey Cemetery in Downey, California.