Tony Sirico, 'The Sopranos' actor, dead at 79
Tony Sirico starred as Paul 'Paulie Walnuts' Gualtieri in 'The Sopranos'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"The Sopranos" star Gennaro Anthony "Tony" Sirico has died at 79, his family confirmed to Fox News Digital on Friday.
"It is with great sadness, but with incredible pride, love and a whole lot of fond memories, that the family of Gennaro Anthony "Tony" Sirico wishes to inform you of his death on the morning of July 8, 2022," the statement began.
"The family is deeply grateful for the many expressions of love, prayer and condolences and requests that the public respect its privacy in this time of bereavement."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Tony Sirico died at 79 on Friday, his family confirmed to Fox News Digital. (Mike Pont/WireImage)
The Sirico family shared that any donations to the family will be donated to Wounded Warriors, St. Jude’s Hospital and the Acton Institute in Sirico’s memory.
A cause of death for the actor was not released. His brother, Robert Sirico, will be hosting a memorial at the Basilica of Regina Pacis in Brooklyn, New York, on Wednesday.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Tony Sirico, Vincent Curatola, Ray Abruzzo, Frank Vincent and Dan Grimaldi from "The Sopranos." (Photo by Albert L. Ortega)
Bob McGowan, Sirico's manager, confirmed the actor's death and said, "Yes, a very loyal client of 25 years, he was an ex army vet and gave to many charities, especially the wounded warriors."
Sirico, who was best known for his role as Paul "Paulie Walnuts" Gualtieri on "The Sopranos," is survived by his two children, Richard Sirico and Joanne Sirico Bello, his grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Tony Sirico attended "SopranosCon" in 2019. The actor is best known for his role as Paulie Gaultieri on the crime-drama series. (Bobby Bank/Getty Images)
Sirico, who was born in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, was arrested 28 times in his lifetime and once served time in jail.
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Sirico starred as Paul "Paulie Walnuts" Gualtieri on "The Sopranos." (Photo by Tom Briglia/FilmMagic)
After being released from prison and becoming an actor, Sirico appeared in "Goodfellas," "Lilyhammer," "Mob Queen," "Mighty Aphrodite," "Love and Money" and more. He also voiced the dog Vinny on "Family Guy."
A cause of death for Sirico was not shared. (Bobby Bank/Getty Images)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The actor took on other business ventures as well. In 2008, he released his own cologne, Paolo Per Uomo.