Joseph Gannascoli, 'Sopranos' actor from Long Island, holding book signing at Wading River restaurant

If you ever wanted to hang with a mobster from “The Sopranos” while getting a chicken Parmesan hero at Satriale’s Pork Store or sit down to dine at Vesuvio’s, here's your chance. Actor Joseph R. Gannascoli, who played Vito Spatafore on the hit HBO series, is doing a meet and greet and book signing at Ruggero’s Family Style Italian Restaurant at The Shoppes at East Wind in Wading River on Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m.

Gannascoli, who lives in East Rockaway, will be selling and signing copies of his culinary crime novel, “A Meal to Die For” (written with Allen C. Kupfer), cast photos and Vito bobbleheads, plus taking selfies ($20 signed photo or selfie, $50 signed photo and bobblehead or book, $60 the whole package: book, bobblehead, signed photo plus a selfie).

In season 6 of "The Sopranos," it was revealed that Vito was hiding his homosexuality, which was an idea Gannascoli brought to the show's creator, writer and director, David Chase.

“I was reading a book called ‘Murder Machine,’ which is a true story about mobster Roy DeMeo, of Massapequa. One of the guys in his crew was gay and a light bulb went off,” Gannascoli, 66, recalled from the 1992 true-crime tome by Gene Mustain and Jerry Capeci during an interview. “I gave the book to David Chase and it changed my life.”

Gannascoli, who is also a professional chef, was pleased with the results.

“I like the way they did it because it was very sympathetic and even had the viewers pulling for Vito,” he said. “Vito couldn’t stay away from the mob lifestyle. Living in New Hampshire was too boring for him and then he ended up meeting his demise.”

Gannascoli told Newsday he views his role as a blessing.

“Being on 'The Sopranos' is like being on the 1927 New York Yankees or 1985 Chicago Bears,” he said. “It’s one of the greatest teams of all time.”

The event is open to the public and dining reservations are recommended. For more information, call 631-886-1625 or visit ruggerosrestaurant.com.

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.