Gandolfini's Wake to be Held in Park Ridge

The family of James Gandolfini will hold a wake for the deceased actor at the Robert Spearing Funeral Home in Park Ridge Wednesday, the Star-Ledger reported.

Gandolfini, the "Sopranos" star who was born in Westwood and grew up in Park Ridge, died in Rome last week after suffering a heart attack.

The wake will be open only to family for one hour and then some guests will be invited for a second hour, The Record reported.

Park Ridge Police are asking he public to stay away from the area during the time. A portion of Berthoud Street will be closed during the wake and large crowds are expected. 

Anyone interested in mourning Gandolfini is asked to attend the public funeral at 10 a.m. Thursday in Manhattan at The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine.

Gandolfini's body arrived in New Jersey via a private plane Sunday, according to the Star-Ledger. Several family members also arrived in the state that night, the paper reported.

Residents of Park Ridge, where Gandolfini graduated high school in 1979, remembered the award-winning star as being a generous family man. He got his start in acting there, performing in schools plays and a musical.

Gandolfini kept ties to the Pascack Valley throughout his life, with two sisters remaining in the area. He was also a supporter of the local Octoberwoman Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.

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