Greg Schiano Grieves Loss Of “Tony Soprano”

June 21st, 2013

Joe was torn Wednesday when he learned the shocking news that James Gandolfini, far-better known as the boss of bosses, Tony Soprano, on the great HBO series “The Sopranos,” died of a heart attack in Italy.

The loss was more than felt by Bucs coach Greg Schiano, who got to know “T” via Rutgers. Gandolfini was a Rutgers graduate and strongly supported the Rutgers football program when Schiano took over. Schiano offered his condoleances via the Bucs’ official Twitter account.

“I am sad to hear of the passing of Jim Gandolfini,” Schiano said. “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 alum and a great New Jerseyian.”

Joe cannot remember a better drama on TV than “The Sopranos.” It was a strange mix of “The Godfather,” “Goodfellas,” “Leave it to Beaver,” and “The Three Stooges,” with Gandofini’s character a larger-than-life figure.

With the possible exception of “24” at its most paranoid, tech-geek, violent, peak, if there was a series better than “The Sopranos,” Joe has not seen it.

The bartenders, if not the dancers, at “The Bing” are wearing black armbands.

9 Responses to “Greg Schiano Grieves Loss Of “Tony Soprano””

  1. tonytwocents Says:

    Awesome actor. Best drama of all time. sorry Joe, but Tony Soprano could make Jack Bauer piss his pants. Ive been rewatching the series again from the start, and Gandolfini was “The Sopranos”. he “made” that show (no pun intended) I fast forward the housewives scenes, or A.J.s scenes just to get to his scenes . The man was a hell of an actor. rest in peace James.

    btw, I saw him on Inside The Actors Studio once with that weird host, and you got to see the real man behind the man. he talked about Rutgers a bit on there too. such a loss.

  2. Adam Says:

    I met Coach Schiano at Rusty Pelican last year on Father’s Day. I told him that as a season ticket holder, I was very excited about him being the coach because if anyone could straighten out the Bucs, it’s an Italian guy from Jersey.

    He laughed and took a picture with with me.

  3. Kalind Says:

    Joe, try the Killing and Breaking Bad on AMC.

  4. Jordon Says:

    Joe, gotta agree with everything you wrote! Sopranos and 24 are both in my all time favorites! Rest in Peace mr. Gandolfini. Probably also a reminder for those of us over 40 to eat right, lose a few pounds and start getting regular physicals…”T” died too young!

  5. Seth B Says:

    The Wire, Best Show Ever Joe, Best Show Ever!

  6. Dave Says:

    24 and The Soprano’s – the first 4 sasons of both of them wre the best dramas on TV possbly ever. They both had hollywood production value and awesome acting. Season 5 until the end of both went downhill

  7. ChampKind Says:

    Gotta agree with both people saying Breaking Bad and The Wire. Two greatest shows EVER.

  8. BigMacAttack Says:

    Dexter
    Sons of Anarchy
    Weeds
    Curb Your Enthusiasm

    Sopranos was really good until the final season when they got writers cramp.

  9. Jonny 2.3 Says:

    Lol @ Weeds & BigMacAttack