Actors from the acclaimed HBO series “The Sopranos” reunited in New Rochelle, New York, on Thursday to attend the funeral service for castmate Vincent Pastore, who died on August 1 at the age of 80. The memorial service was held at Holy Family Church.
Among the attendees were Steven Van Zandt and his wife Maureen Van Zandt, Kathrine Narducci, Michael Rispoli, and Al Sapienza. Chazz Palminteri, known for “A Bronx Tale,” also paid his respects. The funeral service featured a closed casket.
Steven Van Zandt, who portrayed Silvio Dante on the series and served as a pallbearer, described Pastore as “one of a kind” and expressed that he would be missed. Van Zandt, also a guitarist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, mentioned he had been in frequent contact with Pastore and that he and his wife had spoken with him just two days before his passing.
Maurice Van Zandt shared her devastation at the loss of their “beloved Vincent Pastore,” calling him her “big brother, my acting, producing and teaching partner, my director and most importantly, my dear friend.” She added, “Talked to him a couple of days ago. Told him I loved him. And I always will. Heart is broken.”
Pastore's daughter, Renee Pastore, delivered a heartfelt speech remembering her father’s generosity. She recalled his wish to share his success and encouraged mourners to pass on his spirit by performing acts of kindness, such as leaving a large cash tip for a waiter or engaging in conversation with a bus driver or police officer.
Pastore, who served in the Navy from 1964 to 1967 during the Vietnam War, was honored with an American flag draped over his coffin. Approximately 150 people attended the service.
