Of the many unforgettable characters on The Sopranos, one of the most memorable was Salvatore Bonpensiero. He was brilliantly brought to three-dimensional life by actor Vincent Pastore. He sadly passed away at the age of 80 on August 1. Dozens of mourners turned out for his funeral at Holy Family Church in New Rochelle. Per Page Six, Pastore was honored for being "a big cash tipper and a late life rocker." What could be more fitting than that?
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The Sopranos was an epic HBO series about a Mafia crime boss and his family. It aired from 1999 to 2007. Its other stars included James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Lorraine Bracco, Michael Imperioli, and Jamie-Lynn Sigler.
Pastore's Daughter Affectionately Spoke of Him
Pastore's daughter, Renee, eloquently spoke about her dad. Weeping, she said, "He was a man who lived out his dreams...but he knew how lucky he was." She also lovingly recalled him as "a giving person." Renee also mentioned his generous, outgoing nature. "I think that's why he tried to share as much of it with as many people as possible. Whether that was a big tip, always in cash, or by shaking hands with every cop on every corner."
Renee went on, "He hosted my sixth birthday party at the Crazy Horse [bar in Westchester]....I remember keeping my dolls in his DJ booth."
Late in life, Vincent Pastore launched a musical band. Said his daughter admiringly, "I mean, what 60-year-old man, with almost no musical experience, starts a band?"
Renee asked those who cared about her father to pay his kindness forward. "Give your waiter a giant tip in cash. 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."
Co-Star Steve Van Zandt Talked to Pastore Shortly Before He Died
Van Zandt shared with the outlet, "We just happened to call him two days ago. The day before he died, we luckily just happened to call him," he said, referring to himself and Maureen, his wife. "He was one of a kind, and we'll miss him very much."
