Sopranos actor Vincent Pastore was laid to rest Thursday in New Rochelle, New York, during a private funeral attended by his co-stars. The service took place at Holy Family Church following his death at age 80 on August 1.
Cast members attending the invite-only memorial included Steven and Maureen Van Zandt, Kathrine Narducci, Michael Rispoli, and Al Sapienza. Actor Chazz Palminteri of A Bronx Tale also attended, according to TMZ. The service for the actor, who played Salvatore 'Big Pussy' Bonpensiero on the HBO series, featured a closed casket.
Cast Members Pay Tribute
Steven Van Zandt, who played Silvio Dante on the show, served as one of the pallbearers. The actor and musician, who plays guitar for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, told The New York Post that Pastore "was one of a kind, and we'll miss him very much."
Van Zandt said he stayed in contact with Pastore often and spoke with him the day before he died. He and his wife, Maureen, called Pastore two days prior to the funeral service. "The day before he died, we luckily just happened to call him," Van Zandt told the outlet. The Daily Mail reached out to representatives for Van Zandt for further comment.
Daughter Remembers Generous Spirit
Pastore's daughter, Renee Pastore, spoke to a crowd of around 150 people at the church, according to The Post. She recalled her father's generous nature during the memorial speech.
"He was a man who lived out his dreams… but he knew how lucky he was," Renee told mourners. "I think that's why he tried to share as much of it with as many people as possible." She noted that he showed this "whether that was a big tip, always in cash, or by shaking hands with every cop on every corner."
Renee encouraged attendees "to pass on what he has given to you" in her father's memory. She asked people to give waiters giant cash tips, talk to bus drivers and police officers, or make coffee counter clerks laugh. "That's how we remember him. That's a big honor," she said.
Navy Veteran Remembered
An American flag covered Pastore's coffin during the service. According to The Post, he was a Vietnam veteran who served in the Navy from 1964 to 1967. Sources told TMZ that a massive wreath from Jerome Florist was also on display at the church.
Both Steven and Maureen Van Zandt shared tributes on X following news of his passing. Steven wrote, "Another irreplaceable brother gone. It never gets any easier. Travel well Vincenzo."
Maureen wrote that she was "devastated at the loss of our beloved Vincent Pastore." She called him her big brother, acting, producing, and teaching partner, director, and dear friend. "Talked to him a couple of days ago. Told him I loved him. And I always will. Heart is broken," she added.
