Vincent Pastore was laid to rest on Thursday, August 6, with some of the late actor’s co-stars from “The Sopranos” in attendance at his funeral.
Pastore, who became a fan favorite on the HBO mob hit until his character was whacked in Season 2, passed away on August 1 at the age of 80.
An Emotional Farewell
GettyAs Fox News reports, about 150 or so mourners attended Pastore’s funeral at Holy Family Church in New Rochelle, New York. Among them was Steven Van Zandt, who played Soprano family consigliere Silvio Dante in the show.
Van Zandt, who is also the longtime guitarist for Bruce Springsteen‘s E Street Band, served as a pallbearer.
Per Fox News, an American flag was draped atop Pastore’s casket in recognition of his military service.
‘One of a Kind’
GettyAccording to Van Zandt, he and wife Maureen — who played Silvio’s “Sopranos” spouse — had remained close to Pastore in the years after his exit from the show.
“We just happened to call him two days ago. The day before he died, we luckily just happened to call him,” Van Zandt told Page Six. “He was one of a kind, and we’ll miss him very much.”
The late actor’s daughter, Renee Pastore, tearfully paid tribute. “He was a man who lived out his dreams… but he knew how lucky he was,” she told Page Six.
“I think that’s why he tried to share as much of it with as many people as possible,” she added. “Whether that was a big tip, always in cash, or by shaking hands with every cop on every corner.”
Acting Came Late in Life
Prior to entering the acting profession in his 40s, Pastore managed nightclubs, including the Crazy Horse in New Rochelle.
“He hosted my sixth birthday party at the Crazy Horse… I remember keeping my dolls in his DJ booth,” Pastore’s daughter told the funeral attendees, eliciting laughter.
She also told mourners that her father had started his own band several years earlier.
“I mean, what 60-year-old man, with almost no musical experience, starts a band?” she shared.
Vincent Pastore’s Final TV Role
In addition to his work in “The Sopranos” and such films as “Goodfellas” and “Carlito’s Way,” Pastore is leaving behind numerous projects that will be be released posthumously.
Among these is a role in TV series “Gravesend,” in which Pastore portrayed mobster Donnie Glisto. The late actor’s character is featured in a just-released trailer for the upcoming third season.
In addition to Pastore, Deadline reports that the new season also includes NBA Shaquille O’Neal, who has joined the series as a new cast member and executive producer. Other stars to have joined the cast include Tony Danza, Talia Shire and Pastore’s fellow “Sopranos” alums Dominic Chianese and Vincent Curatola.
Returning cast members include William DeMeo, Chazz Palminteri, Armand Assante, Pastore, Mario Cantone, Tony Darrow and Chuck Zito.
