Vincent Pastore’s family is preparing to lay the actor to rest in New Rochelle, New York, later this week, after his death at the age of 80.
The funeral plans were shared with TMZ by Stephen Villano, a longtime friend of the beloved Sopranos star.
Pastore was found dead inside his Bronx apartment on Saturday, after a neighbor became concerned following three days without any contact from him.
Villano said Pastore found a new passion in teaching and guiding young performers after earning fame as Salvatore ‘Big Pu**y’ Bonpensiero on HBO’s acclaimed crime drama.
‘He used to tell them, “It’s a one-in-a-million chance of making it, but look at me. It’s part luck, who you are, how you train and hard work… but you can do it just as I did,”‘ the actor’s friend shared.
Despite the recognition that came with the role, Villano said Pastore remained grounded, choosing to keep living in his hometown and enjoying the familiar rhythms of his everyday life.
Vincent Pastore, pictured in 2023, will be laid to rest by his family in New Rochelle, New York, later this week after his death at 80
Pastore was best known for playing Salvatore ‘Big Pu**y’ Bonpensiero on HBO’s crime drama; L-R Tony Sirico, Steven Van Zandt, James Gandolfini, Michael Imperioli, and Pastore
‘He was a simple guy. He never let fame go to his head,’ he noted, adding that Pastore humbly drove a Buick.
Born in 1946 to an Italian family, the star was often cast in mafia roles, including a small part in Goodfellas and a larger role in the 1996 HBO film Gotti.
His TV career included frequent guest spots on Law & Order, as well as reality shows ranging from Celebrity Apprentice to Dancing with the Stars.
In his later years, he ran a theater company that produced multiple plays a year.
The venture reunited him with several of The Sopranos alumni, including Anthony Ribustello, who appeared as the chauffeur of James Gandolfini’s lead character Tony Soprano.
Pastore was born in the Bronx, but grew up in New Rochelle, residing with his family above the local Foresters club.
He once described his home as ‘pure Italian-American’ in an interview with Edge magazine.
After serving in the US Navy in the Vietnam War, he began opening bars and clubs, including the 1980s New Rochelle nightspot Crazy Horse.
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Pictured with Sopranos co-star James Gandolfini in the show’s pilot episode
Born in 1946 to an Italian family, the star was often cast in mafia roles, including a small part in Goodfellas and a larger role in the 1996 HBO film Gotti; Pastore seen in 2005 in NYC
In the wake of his death, Pastore’s Sopranos co-star Imperioli shared a throwback photo of them via Instagram; seen in 2004 in NYC
In the late 80s Pastore put his Pace University drama degree to use as he began pursuing an acting career.
He met actors Kevin and Matt Dillon through a job as a New York City limousine driver.
‘I told them about my dreams of becoming an actor. They ended up seeing me at this community theater I was doing, and Kevin helped me out. He gave me the direction I needed to finally act,’ Pastore recalled.
His first major supporting role was in the 1995 crime comedy The Jerky Boys: The Movie, in which he played the sidekick of a mob boss played by Alan Arkin.
The following year he earned a breakthrough opportunity on HBO as the real-life Gambino family capo Angelo ‘Quack Quack’ Ruggiero in Gotti.
He later described Gotti as a ‘turning point’ in his career, leading to his being recognized in the street and cast on The Sopranos, per Cryptic Rock.
In the wake of his death, Pastore’s Sopranos co-star Imperioli shared a throwback photo of them via Instagram and said, ‘Our beloved friend and collaborator VINCENT PASTORE has passed away.
‘This is a hard one for us, it seems like I’ve known Vinny forever. We did lots of work together and traveled all of the USA as well as Italy and Australia. Lots of good times.’
He concluded, ‘Lots of laughs. Vinny was a kind hearted brother who cared deeply about his family and friends. I will miss him always.’
The late star is survived by his 55-year-old daughter daughter Renee, whom he shared with ex-wife Nancy Berke.
