Vincent Pastore, the Westchester-native actor known for playing Salvatore Bonpensiero on "The Sopranos", was found dead Saturday, Aug. 1. He was 80 years old.
According to USA TODAY, Pastore was found dead at his home on City Island in the Bronx
. Deadline reported that a welfare check had been made to his home after a neighbor said he had not heard from Pastore in three days, but he had last been heard from on July 31. The cause of Pastore's death remains under investigation.Pastore was born July 14, 1946 in the Bronx, but was raised in an Italian-American household in New Rochelle. After graduating from New Rochelle High School, he enlisted as a sailor with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
Before he became a full-time actor, Pastore worked
in various clubs and as a chauffeur. He studied business at Pace University in Pleasantville before going on to earn a degree in Drama.
After befriending fellow Westchester-native actors Matt and Kevin Dillon, Pastore broke out into the acting industry. His first roles, which would become his signature style of character, were as background Italian-American gangsters in movies like "Goodfellas" in 1990 and "Carlito's Way" in 1993. He also appeared in "Money Train" in 1995 and "A Brooklyn State of Mind" in 1997.
His first TV roles were as background characters in "Law and Order" between 1992 and 1996. However, his first big role came in 1995 as gangster Tony Scarboni in "The Jerky Boys: The Movie." In 1996, he began his relationship with HBO as Angelo Ruggiero in the TV movie "Gotti", based on the life of John Gotti.
Pastore's most-well known role began in 1999, as he became Salvatore Bonpensiero, an influential gangster in Tony Soprano's circle in the Emmy-winning hit TV show "The Sopranos."
Since the show ended in 2007, Pastore had appeared in many other movies and TV shows, including 2004's "Shark Tale," 2013's "Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn," "General Hospital" and Disney's "Pair of Kings." He also appeared in reality shows like "Dancing with the Stars" and "Celebrity Family Feud."
Pastore also hosted the SiriusXM radio show, "The Wise Guy," which launched in 2004 and featured talent and prominent figures from the Italian-American community.
Pastore was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014.
"Vinny was one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known. He treated everyone with warmth and respect, never turning down a fan who wanted a photograph or an autograph. He genuinely appreciated the people who supported him and always made them feel valued," Pastore's manager Robert Attermann said in a statement to USA TODAY.
"For me, losing Vinny is deeply personal. Over more than three decades, I had the honor of watching not only his remarkable career but also the incredible person he was. I will miss his friendship, his loyalty, his humor, and his generosity," he continued. "He leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond his memorable performances. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. May his memory be a blessing."
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: New Rochelle-raised 'Sopranos' actor Vincent Pastore dies at 80
