Sacramento Businessman Joe Benvenuti Dies At 91

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - A developer and entrepreneur credited with helping to bring the Kings to Sacramento has died.

Joe Benvenuti died yesterday, according to The Sacramento Bee. Benvenuti's health had been in decline since he suffered a stroke in October.

Benvenuti was a leading developer in the city and built Sacramento's first high-rise, The Renaissance Tower.

Benvenuti partnered with Gregg Lukenbill in 1985 to bring the Kansas City Kings to Sacramento.

He also persuaded the city council to build ARCO arena.

The current owners of the Kings, the Maloof family, released a statement posted on NBA.com about Benvenuti's passing saying:

"Speaking on behalf of our entire organization, we want to express how deeply saddened we were to hear of Joe's passing. He was a vital member of the Sacramento Kings family and a pillar in the community for more than 60 years. He will be greatly missed and forever hold an endearing place in the hearts and minds of those who have had the fortune of knowing him. Joe's contributions to the Kings over the team's 27 seasons in Sacramento cannot be overstated."

Benvenuti was 91-years old.