Viviana “Vivi” DellaPorta, 10, Remembered in Niskayuna for Her Joyful Spirit and Courage

 Viviana Vincenza DellaPorta, affectionately known as “Vivi,” was remembered in Niskayuna, New York, as a bright and loving 10-year-old whose presence brought happiness to her family, classmates, and those around her. Viviana passed away unexpectedly on May 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Niskayuna on January 13, 2016, she was the cherished daughter of Robert and Sarah DellaPorta and a beloved sister to Julianna and Logan.

Vivi attended Hillside School, where her smile, kindness, and joyful personality became part of the daily lives of classmates and people who cared for her. Her family remembered her as courageous, loving, and strong-willed, qualities that shaped the way she approached life. Although she faced medical challenges early in childhood, including multiple surgeries as a baby, those experiences did not define her. Instead, her loved ones described a child who continued to embrace life with curiosity, energy, and a distinctive spirit.

For Vivi, music and dancing were among the simple pleasures that could transform an ordinary moment. Her family shared that she loved to dance whenever she heard music, bringing happiness into the home. She also enjoyed creating special moments with her siblings, strengthening the bonds that now carry added meaning for those left behind. These memories can become especially precious after an unexpected death because they preserve the personality and routines that made a loved one familiar.

Her bond with Blu, the family dog, was another meaningful part of her everyday life. The connection between a child and a cherished pet can become woven into the rhythm of home, and Blu was important to Vivi. Together with her love of music, dancing, and time with her siblings, that relationship offers a glimpse into the interests and affection that filled her days. The details shared by her family portray Vivi through the things that brought her comfort, excitement, and companionship.

Viviana is survived by her parents and siblings, as well as grandparents, a great-grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other loved ones. Their grief follows a brief life filled with family connections across generations. For classmates and those who knew Vivi, memories of her personality and the happiness she brought may remain important in the days ahead. Her family has chosen to keep funeral arrangements private, allowing them to make those decisions according to their wishes during a deeply personal time.

The family has asked that people who want to honor Vivi consider memorial contributions to the Schenectady Child Advocacy Center or Unshackled Hearts Ranch Inc. The request connects her memory with organizations selected by the family while respecting their private funeral plans. Such gestures cannot replace the presence of a child who was deeply loved, but they can give friends, classmates, and others a meaningful way to express care for the family.

As Niskayuna remembers Viviana, the most enduring picture is not defined by the medical challenges she faced or by the circumstances of her passing, but by the life her family says she lived with courage, love, energy, and joy. Her laughter, dancing, curiosity, and affection for those closest to her remain in the lasting memories of those who knew her for years. For Robert, Sarah, Julianna, Logan, and their extended family, those memories will remain a lasting connection to Vivi and the place she holds in their lives.