Vincent Pastore, best known for his role as Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on HBO's "The Sopranos," was laid to rest on Thursday in New York. His funeral was attended by several castmates from the acclaimed series, with Steven Van Zandt, who played Silvio Dante, serving as a pallbearer.
Pastore, who was 80 at the time of his death, was remembered by his daughter as a "giving person" who lived out his dreams and shared his good fortune. His casket was draped with an American flag, honoring his service in the Navy.
Steven Van Zandt told Page Six that he and his wife, Maureen, had spoken with Pastore just two days before his passing. "He was one of a kind, and we’ll miss him very much," Van Zandt said.
Stephen Villano, who described himself as Pastore's "right-hand man," emphasized that the actor was unlike the characters he often portrayed. "He said, ‘I’m an actor. I play a character.’ So people would think that this is the man, but that wasn’t the man," Villano told The Post. "The man was generous, he was kind, he was caring." Villano added that Pastore supported various charities and causes, including veterans in the Bronx, U.S. troops, and the NYPD.
Pastore died on August 1. His manager, Robert Attermann, stated, "I had the privilege of representing Vinny for more than 30 years, long before 'The Sopranos' made him a household name. To the world, he will always be remembered as the unforgettable 'Big Pussy,' but to those of us who knew him, he was so much more."
Beyond "The Sopranos," Pastore had an extensive acting career, appearing in shows such as "Blue Bloods," "Law & Order," and "General Hospital," as well as films including "Goodfellas," "A Bronx Tale," and "Carlito's Way." His manager noted that Pastore "loved being an actor" and was always encouraging and generous with younger actors.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee. ![The cast of "The Sopranos" posing for a photo.]( "The cast of "The Sopranos" posing for a photo.")