According to Vella's son, Vinny Vella Jr., the actor died on Feb. 20 at home, following a battle with liver cancer.
"RIP to my father. I love you so much and I’m so heart broken. You are no longer in pain- no more suffering pops. I love you." Vinny Vella Jr., via TMZ
Vella was best known
for his roles in gangster
films and television.
Popular characters he played include, James "Jimmy" Petrille on 'The Sopranos' and Artie Piscano in 'Casino.' Some of his other film credits include, 'Donnie Brasco,' 'Kissing Jessica Stein,'
'Kill the Irishman,' 'Mambo Cafe,'
'This Thing of Ours' and 'Find Me Guilty.'
"Vinny loved life from his family to his friends and fans he was easily one of the funniest, endearing actors to have ever graced the screen." Erik Hoover, Vella's rep, via Fox News