James Gandolfini’s body to return to U.S. Monday; funeral Thursday

James Gandolfini’s remains will likely return to the United States on Monday, and a funeral will be held for the late “Sopranos� star Thursday in New York City, it was announced Sunday.

The Gandolfini family released a statement via their spokesperson, Michael Kobold, at a press conference Sunday in Rome.

“The provisional plan is to depart Rome tomorrow afternoon and arrive in the U.S. in the evening,� he said.

PHOTOS: James Gandolfini | 1961-2013

In the statement, the family thanked the Italian authorities, members of the U.S. State Department, Secretary of State John Kerry, his predecessor, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and former President Bill Clinton, for their assistance expediting the return of Gandolfini’s remains to the United States, a process that typically takes up to a week.

Gandolfini, who won three Emmys for his portrayal of New Jersey mob kingpin Tony Soprano on the hugely acclaimed HBO series, died Wednesday night of a heart attack while vacationing with his family in Rome.

“I would like to thank the Italian authorities for all the assistance they have rendered in expediting the formalities necessary to repatriate James Gandolfini’s remains to the United States,� Kobold said. “We are extremely grateful for their efficiency in dealing with this matter. It has been our privilege to be guests in your beautiful country, despite the difficult circumstances. We sincerely thank you.�

Via HBO, the actor’s family also announced plans for a funeral to be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, the city’s largest place of worship.

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