Actor Vincent Pastore celebrated 80th birthday weeks before his death
Vincent Pastore marked his 80th birthday with friends in July, and was found dead at his Bronx home a few weeks later, with police indicating natural causes.
Vincent Pastore turned 80 on July 14, sharing a custom cake with longtime friend Stephen Villano, who said the actor laughed while blowing out the candles. Villano, who described himself as Pastore’s “right-hand man” after initially serving as his driver, said Pastore was in good health and had recently undergone his annual physical. Police sources told the Post the actor died of natural causes.
Friends, neighbors and fellow actor Chuck Zito gathered at Pastore’s Bronx residence, where he had lived for three decades, to remember the performer known for mob roles on television and film. Villano emphasized that Pastore’s off-screen life differed from his on-screen characters, noting his generosity, involvement in charitable causes, and support for veterans, the NYPD and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The actor, a prostate-cancer survivor, had previously donated winnings from his appearance on “The Apprentice” to charity. While his role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on “The Sopranos” remained his most recognizable part, Villano said Pastore’s career spanned horror, comedy and other genres, and he remained grateful to the series for launching his career.