Tony Sirico's Mass Held At Brooklyn Basilica, Thousands Tune In

BROOKLYN, NY — American actor Gennaro Anthony Sirico, better known as Tony Sirico, was celebrated at a mass Wednesday at the Basilica of Regina Pacis by his brother Father Robert Sirico. Sirico, who was best known for his role in HBO’s “The Sopranos” TV show as Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtieri, died last Friday.

Sirico is survived by his two children Joanne Sirico Bello and Richard Sirico, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews, according to his brother, who announced the passing on social media.

The funeral, which was live-streamed and watched by thousands, was held at 1230 65 St. near Borough Park.

“On behalf of Joanne and Richard and our entire family, I wish to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude for the overwhelming loving support and prayers that people from around the world have communicated to us in various ways,” said Sirico’s brother, who was also his priest. “To those who have taken such good care of him over the years, we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Sirico, born July 29, 1942, was receiving care at an assisted living facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the time of his passing at 79.

“People often confuse the actor with the act, but when you look beneath that tough defensive armor, as Michael Imperioli called it last night at the wake, you begin to see a softer, gentler interior,” said the priest.

“Given certain decisions he made, especially earlier in his life and especially in the roles he would eventually play in a professional capacity, many would be surprised to hear me say that my brother had a moral compass.”

Memorial donations may be made in his honor to Wounded Warriors, St. Jude’s Hospital and the Acton Institute.

The New York Post reports Sirico will be buried in Calvary Cemetery in Maspeth, Queens.