Rutgers Remembers Gandolfini

By Amy Byrnes and Anthony Bellano.

His portrayal of Tony Soprano on the HBO series "The Sopranos" brought actor James Gandolfini, 51, into the hearts and homes of fans around the world, but New Jersey always laid claim to the Garden State native.

So when news of his sudden death following a heart attack in Rome spread on Wednesday, Garden State residents expressed shock and sadness at the loss of one of their own.

“Stunned,” wrote Gail Holbrook on East Brunswick Patch’s Facebook page Wednesday night.

“May he rest in peace,” Ana Rey followed on the page. “51 is too young.”

Gandolfini graduated from Rutgers in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in communications, and was inducted into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2004, according to the university’s website. He originally intended to enter the world of bar and nightclub management and worked as a bouncer at the club formerly known as Ryan’s, in New Brunswick, as well as a bartender and a club manager.

However, he changed his mind at the age of 25 when he took an acting class taught by a Rutgers alumnus. While at the school, he forged a friendship with his roommate, celebrity chef Mario Batali and the two later did a commercial together.

The Rutgers community was in mourning Thursday, according to a statement from the university, following the “sad and sudden loss” of the 1983 grad who was inducted into the Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2004.

“Mr. Gandolfini was a proud and passionate supporter of the university for many years,” according to the university. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Gandolfini's family.”

After achieving success on The Sopranos, Gandolfini made appearances in commercials for the Rutgers football team. He attended numerous games, and following the 2004 homecoming game, visited various pubs in New Brunswick.

According to Espn.com, he was an honorary captain in the 2005 Insight Bowl and appeared at midfield during the pre-game coin flip. Rutgers dropped that game to Arizona State, 45-40. It was the Scarlet Knights’ first postseason appearance since 1978.

According to the story, Gandolfini attended the spring game and two regular season contests in 2006. Following one of the games, Gandolfini waited in line with his son to get an autograph from then-Scarlet Knights quarterback Mike Teel. Gandolfini sat behind Teel’s parents at home games.

On Thursday, former players posted tweets about their memories of Gandolfini, including former running back Brian Leonard, who posted a photo of Gandolfini with his parents.

"I am sad to hear of the passing of Jim Gandolfini,” former Rutgers coach and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano said via Twitter. “He was a great supporter of Rutgers Football long before it was fashionable to be so. His generosity in helping us lent relevance to our football program at a time when it was desperately needed. In addition to his acting acclaim, he will be remembered by all Rutgers people as a compassionate alumni and a great New Jerseyian."

Although Gandolfini donated money to the university, the amount has never been made public. A university spokeswoman didn’t release that information upon request on Thursday, stating Rutgers doesn’t provide information on its donors.

Some New Brunswick Patch commenters recalled running into the Bergen County native in locations around the state, like on the Asbury Park boardwalk and Point Pleasant Beach.

“He was approachable and humble,” wrote Michael Reina.

“I met him when they were shooting a scene in Harrison on Cleveland Avenue,” wrote a commenter named “Ray” on East Brunswick Patch of his encounter with the fellow Scarlet Knights alumni. “He was in his trailer by the Passaic River eating pasta. He offered me a plate and we discussed our alma mater.”

“An Italian American New Jersey man,” Laura Ann observed on East Brunswick Patch. “Italians are extra sad. New Jersey born and raised like me.”

“I raise my glass of vino to you,” she finished. “Ba-Da-Bing!! Ciao.”