James Gandolfini left $50,000 to a friend's 12-year-old autistic son
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- James Gandolfini left $50,000 to his friend and his autistic son
- College pal Doug Katz said that he was his son's 'Guardian angel'
- Gandolfini left the bulk of his $70million fortune to his children
- This includes a luxury apartment in New York and a house in Italy
By Jaymi Mccann
PUBLISHED: 05:51 EST, 4 July 2013 | UPDATED: 06:00 EST, 4 July 2013
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He was known as a generous family-man, but James Gandolfini has surpassed himself after leaving $50,000 to an old friend and his autistic son.
The Soprano’s star left the fortune to his college friend Doug Katz and his 12-year-old autistic son Andrew.
Katz told the New York Post: ‘I was shocked. He’s my son’s guardian angel.’
Untimely death: Sopranos star James Gandolfini has died of a suspected heart attack in Italy, seen here on June 10th at a charity gala
The father learned of the generous gift when Gandolfini’s widow Deborah Lin phoned him.
He is set to put the money in a trust for his Andrew.
The 51-year-old actor died of a heart attack in Rome while on holiday with his son on June 19.
He was most famous for his role as family-man gangster Tony Soprano in the hit TV series.
Katz said that his friend was always generous with his Andrew, ensuring that he had everything he needed.
James Gandolfini with his son and second wife Deborah Lin at a film premiere in 2011. He has left the bulk of his fortune to his children
Married to the mob: In character with his Sopranos family Edie Falco, Robert Iler and Jamie-Lynn Sigler
‘He got him nutritional supplements, anything Andrew needed to help him lead a better life. Jim sponsored gymnastics for my son.’
Gandolfini was father to 13-year-old Michael and eight-month-old Liliana.
He left his children the bulk of his £70million fortune, the rights to a West Village apartment and a house in Italy. He left Michael a £7million life-insurance trust.
Gandolfini hoped that his children would keep the Italian property in the family.
Devoted dad: James was said be 'thrilled' at the arrival of his daughter last year; he is pictured carrying her to lunch with his wife in May
James Gandolfini marries Deborah Lin. The couple tied the knot on the islands of Hawaii over the Labor Day weekend in 2008
He said in his will: 'It is my hope and desire that they will continue to own said property and keep it in our family for as long as possible.
Gandolfini also left $100,000 to godson Robert Parish, whose mum, Brittany, is a longtime friend and $200,000 each to his personal assistant and secretary.
But, Katz, who Gandolfini roomed with in college, added, that he would rather have his friend alive than the money.
He said: ‘You could never meet a nicer guy in the world. He was the glue that kept us together.’
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