Vincent Pastore celebrated his milestone 80th birthday with a pal weeks before he unexpectedly died at his New York home on Saturday.
The “Sopranos” alum, whose birthday was on July 14, blew out the candles on his customized cake while alongside his “right-hand man,” Stephen Villano, earlier this month.
“This is totally shocking,” Villano told The Post Saturday. “He was totally healthy. He was fine. He just went for his yearly physical.”
Villano shared that he and the late actor last spoke on Thursday and that Pastore lived alone at his Bronx, New York, home.
“He was an amazing individual and he loved his craft,” he added. “His craft was Broadway, movies, television.”
The “Revolver” star “had a lot planned” leading up to his passing, including being a part of new TV projects and premieres and performances with his rock group, the “Gangster Squad.” Pastore sang and played the tambourine with the old school band.
The Vietnam War veteran and Villano’s friendship began about 30 years ago, when the latter was Pastore’s driver.
“I did everything with Vinny,” Villano shared. “I drove him to places. I took him to his doctor appointment; I sat with him on shows. I traveled with him.”
Villano vulnerably admitted to missing Pastore as he held back his tears, adding, “He was a good man … The man was generous, he was kind, he was caring.
“He cared about his neighbors, he cared about charities, he cared about fundraisers,” Villano said. “He supported St. Jude’s [Children’s Research Hospital] and he supported the NYPD.”
Pastore, who survived prostate cancer, also supported those going through a similar battle and donated the money he earned from Season 1 of “Celebrity Apprentice” in 2008 to charity, Villano claimed.
The “Carlito’s Way” star was found dead by his neighbor on Saturday and died from natural causes, a police source told Page Six.
He was mourned by his long-time manager, Robert Attermann, in a statement to Page Six.
“Vinny was one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known,” the statement read. “He treated everyone with warmth and respect, never turning down a fan who wanted a photograph or an autograph.”
Pastore, who played Salvatore “Big P–y” Bonpensiero on “The Sopranos” from 1999 to 2007, was also remembered by his former castmates, including actress Edie Falco, who portrayed Carmela Soprano.
“It’s an awful loss. So unexpected,” she told Page Six. “Vinnie was always so full of life.”
Michael Imperioli, who played the role of Christopher Moltisanti, wrote via Instagram, “This is a hard one for us,” and referred to his late friend as “a kind-hearted brother who cared deeply about his family and friends.”
Additionally, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who starred as Meadow Soprano, shared on social media that Pastore was “a wonderful actor, a kind and loving man.”
Pastore’s final public appearance was to support his longtime friend Steven Van Zandt at the New York City premiere of “Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple” on June 8, 2024.
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