Moving Funeral Service For James Gandolfini

It was a moving funeral service for actor James Gandolfini at Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York City yesterday morning. Some recollections and thoughts follow.

David Chase, “The Sopranos” creator, gave the last of four “remembrances” as listed in the program. He talked of Gandolfini being “a little boy” and bringing that to the role of “Tony Soprano.” He thought that was the reason the character was liked though he was essentially not good.

He told how Gandolfini in a scene, slammed the refrigerator door so hard as to break it while shooting a scene. Gandolfini’s intensity at times was harmful. His brilliant mind and willingness to help were among his many attributes.

Chase closed by talking of a scene with “Tony Soprano” having to take a bus as any other “working stiff.” Sopranos watchers know every show ended with a song, often powerful ones. In this scene, Chase would (have) use(d) Joan Osborne’s “What if God Was One of Us” as “Tony” boarded the bus.

Gandolfini’s dialogue coach, collaborator, and friend, Susan Aston, remembered Gandolfini comforting her fears with a “what’s the worst that could happen” scenario as they both nervously awaited going on stage in the 1980’s.

She intoned that “the opposite of strength is not weakness but vulnerability” and one needs vulnerability to be strong.  James Gandolfini met the requirements.

The Very Reverend Dr. James A. Kowalski, who gave the homily, talked of meeting Gandolfini at a charity event held at The Rainbow Room.

He spoke eloquently as a fan of the show and how the “Tony Soprano” character gave us a unique “access to the darkness of humanity.”

He marveled at Gandolfini’s kindness and charitable nature. He recalled fondly his interaction with his fans.

There was a confluence of reality, imagination and thoughts of the show “The Sopranos,” as I watched many cast members pass me while  walking out of the huge cathedral.

Reality is that a relatively young man and great talent is dead, far too soon. He did live life to the fullest, perhaps too full.

Imagination and hope lead me to think James Gandolfini is going to a better place and can help with his brilliance and compassion.

Thoughts about the show consisted largely of all the funerals and people’s reactions to them on the show. Death so often a topic, especially on “Tony Soprano’s” lips, leaps out.

I know that it was an incredible show and Gandolfini had one of the great roles and performances in television history. Yesterday was a fitting tribute to him.