'Sopranos' cast members, family, fans remember Gandolfini at funeral

From North Jersey (of course)

Thursday’s moving “A Celebration of the Life of James John Gandolfini” — a funeral at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in Manhattan — honored many facets of the beloved Bergen County native and “Sopranos” star, who died June 19 at the age of 51.

The actor, raised in Westwood and Park Ridge, was remembered as a devoted family guy, a wonderful father, a mighty talent, a great man with the soul of a child, a “big teddy bear of a friend,” and a star ever gracious to his fans.

During the nearly two-hour service, there were tears, laughs, hymns, songs and comforting benedictions. And while the famed Gothic Revival Episcopal cathedral on Amsterdam Avenue was studded with stars, this was “not a showbizzy” funeral, as one guest noted afterward. No air kisses at this requiem for a man who was known for giving enthusiastic (sometimes crushing) hugs.

http://www.northjersey.com/arts_entertainment/Sopranos_cast_members_family_fans_remember_Gandolfini_at_funeral.html