‘Sopranos’ star Vincent Pastore honored as ‘one of kind’ by daughter, Stevie van Zandt in touching funeral tributes
“The Sopranos” star Vincent Pastore was remembered as a big cash tipper and a late-life rocker at his funeral Thursday – as one of his co-stars revealed the final phone call they shared.
More than 100 mourners flocked to Holy Family Church in New Rochelle to say a final goodbye to the beloved 80-year-old actor, best known for his role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in the hit HBO series.
His heartbroken daughter, Renee Pastore, described her dad as “a giving person” who was grateful for the cards he was dealt in life.
Pallbearers carry the casket of actor Vincent Pastore during his funeral. James Keivom for NY Post
Mourners gather as the casket of actor Vincent Pastore is placed in a hearse at Holy Family Church. James Keivom for NY Post
Steve Van Zandt and other pallbearers carry the casket of actor Vincent Pastore during his funeral. James Keivom for NY Post
“He was a man who lived out his dreams… but he knew how lucky he was,” she said, between tears.
“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.”
Pastore ran nightlife venues in Westchester such as The Crazy Horse bar before becoming a professional actor in his 40s, Renee said.
A prayer card is displayed during the funeral for actor Vincent Pastore at Holy Family Church on Thursday, August 6, 2026. James Keivom for NY Post
“He hosted my sixth birthday party at the Crazy Horse… I remember keeping my dolls in his DJ booth,” she said, sparking laughter in the audience of about 150 people.
After his acting career took off —with roles in flicks like “Goodfellas” and “Carlito’s Way” — he started a band in his golden years.
“I mean, what 60-year-old man, with almost no musical experience, starts a band?” she said fondly.
Actor and musician Steve Van Zandt arrives for the funeral of actor Vincent Pastore at Holy Family Church. James Keivom for NY Post
His “Sopranos” co-star Steve Van Zandt, who’s also a longtime guitarist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, served as one of Pastore’s pallbearers.
He told The Post that he saw Pastore “quite often” and fondly remembered their final phone call.
“We just happened to call him two days ago. The day before he died, we luckily just happened to call him,” he said of himself and his wife, Maureen — who Pastore founded a theater company with.
Vincent Pastore smiling at the premiere of “Price of Glory”. Getty Images
“He was one of a kind, and we’ll miss him very much.”
Pastore, who was also a Vietnam vet, was carried out of the church in a coffin with an American flag draped over it.
He enlisted in the Navy and served from 1964 to 1967 before returning home to attend Pace University on the GI Bill.
At the end of her eulogy, Renee asked his loved ones “to pass on what he has given to you” through an act of kindness.
“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,” she said.
“That’s how we remember him. That’s a big honor,” she said.
