Vincent Pastore, the beloved Sopranos actor best known to fans as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero, was honored Thursday during a funeral service in New Rochelle, New York, where several of his former castmates gathered to say goodbye.
Among those attending the private memorial at Holy Family Church were Steven Van Zandt and Maureen Van Zandt, Kathrine Narducci, Michael Rispoli and Al Sapienza, according to TMZ. Chazz Palminteri, star of A Bronx Tale, was also present for the invite-only service.
The service, held after Pastore’s death at age 80 on August 1, featured a closed casket as friends, family and colleagues remembered the actor whose work on the landmark HBO crime drama made him a television favorite.
Steven Van Zandt, who was one of the pallbearers, told The New York Post that Pastore ‘was one of a kind, and we’ll miss him very much.’
Steven Van Zandt, who is also widely known as a guitarist in Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, told the outlet that he had remained in frequent contact with Pastore over the years.
Van Zandt shared that he and his wife, Maureen, had spoken with Pastore shortly before his death, making the loss feel especially sudden and personal.
Sopranos actor Vincent Pastore was laid to rest Thursday at Holy Family Church in New Rochelle, New York, with several of his former co-stars in attendance. Pictured in New York City in 2024
Steven and Maureen Van Zandt were among the familiar faces from The Sopranos who attended Thursday’s private memorial service
“We just happened to call him two days ago,” said Steven Van Zandt, who played Silvio Dante on The Sopranos. “The day before he died, we luckily just happened to call him.”
The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Van Zandt for further comment on the story.
Pastore’s daughter Renee Pastore remembered his generous nature in a moving speech she delivered at the memorial, according to The Post.
‘He was a man who lived out his dreams… but he knew how lucky he was,’ Renee told a crowd of around 150 people on hand at the service. ‘I think that’s why he tried to share as much of it with as many people as possible.’
Renee continued, ‘Whether that was a big tip, always in cash, or by shaking hands with every cop on every corner.’
She suggested mourners ‘to pass on what he has given to you’ in her father’s memory.
‘Give your waiter a giant tip in cash,’ Renee said. ‘Maybe it’s a reminder to stop and talk to the bus driver, or a police officer, or make the lady behind the coffee counter laugh. That’s how we remember him. That’s a big honor.’
Pastore’s coffin had an American flag covering it, as he was a Vietnam veteran who had been in the navy from 1964 to 1967, according to the outlet.
Van Zandt, who played the role of Silvio Dante on the series, was pictured with another mourner
Mourners were seen exiting the church on the somber summer day
Hugs were exchanged after the service in which the late actor was remembered
Pastore’s daughter Renee Pastore remembered his generous nature in a moving speech she delivered at the memorial
A crowd of around 150 people had been on hand at the service, according to The Post
Mourners were seen saying their final farewell to the famed actor on Thursday
The late actor was seen in a memorial shot following his passing on Saturday
A massive wreath from Jerome Florist had been on display, sources told TMZ.
Both Steven and Maureen Van Zandt had taken to X with statements in memory of Pastore amid news of his passing.
Steven wrote, ‘Another irreplaceable brother gone. It never gets any easier. Travel well Vincenzo.’
Maureen said she was ‘devastated at the loss of our beloved Vincent Pastore,’ adding, ‘He was my big brother, my acting, producing and teaching partner, my director and most importantly, my dear friend.
‘Talked to him a couple of days ago. Told him I loved him. And I always will. Heart is broken.’
