‘Sopranos’ Inspiration Dies: NJ Mob Boss John Riggi Dead at 90

While it's debatable whether or not Tony Soprano died in the last episode of The Sopranos (he did), it looks like the inspiration for the show – New Jersey mob boss John M. Riggi, real name Giovanni Riggi – has been confirmed dead at the age of 90. Riggi, who reportedly was the inspiration for Tony Soprano, died on Monday at his home in Edison.

The mob boss was known as the head of the DeCavalcante crime family. He controlled a New Jersey labor union "that helped funnel millions into mob coffers," according to NJ.com. The Sopranos creator David Chase reportedly drew some inspiration from stories surrounding the family.

Keeping the ties between the mob and police ever-so-close, Riggi was also known for his charity work, specifically with the Police Athletic League.

Reports have stated that Riggi's grip on the Laborers International Union of North America Local 394 helped him to "shake down contractors, dispense jobs, and force companies to deal with mob-connected suppliers and businesses." His powerful stature as the head of a crime family has many believing that he's possibly one of the "last old time mob bosses" for the New Jersey region.

Veteran NJ organized crime expert Robert Boccino noted that Riggi "wasn't Tony Soprano," despite being loved in Elizabeth. "Nobody would cooperate—that was the problem ... He was respected."

Riggi was arrested some time ago and served time for both murder and racketeering. He was released back in 2012.

James Gandolfini, who portrayed Tony Soprano in the HBO series throughout its entirety, passed away in 2013 from a heart attack. Gandolfini was a proud New Jersian, having attended Rutgers University. He was recently inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.