The remains of "Sopranos" star James Gandolfini have returned to the United States, a spokeswoman for HBO said Monday.
The 51-year-old actor died of heart failure last weekend in Italy. His remains were returned in an expedited process, thanks to cooperation between the U.S. and Italian governments, family spokesman Michael Kobold said Sunday. Kobold gave particular thanks to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, as well as Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.
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The process usually takes seven days, Kobold said.
Funeral services for the actor will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in Manhattan.
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Flags at state buildings in Gandolfini's native New Jersey are flying at half staff on Monday, on orders of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.