Overview
- Pastore, 80, was found dead at his Bronx residence on Saturday, Aug. 1, and multiple outlets say his death is believed to be from natural causes with no current medical examiner investigation reported.
- A closed‑casket funeral and public service were held in New Rochelle on Aug. 6 at the Church of the Holy Family and Lloyd Maxcy & Sons chapel, with more than 100 mourners attending and some guests turned away.
- Several of Pastore’s 'Sopranos' co‑stars attended and Steven Van Zandt served as a pallbearer, with Van Zandt saying he and his wife had called Pastore two days before his death.
- Reports differ over how Pastore was discovered, with some outlets saying a neighbor found him and others saying friends performed a wellness check after they had not heard from him.
- Pastore is remembered for his role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on The Sopranos and earlier film work, he was a Vietnam‑era veteran, he is survived by his daughter Renee, and his death has prompted widespread tributes as officials await a formal cause.