Chris Christie Orders New Jersey To Fly Flags At Half Mast For James Gandolfini

NEW JERSEY (MYFOXNY.COM) -New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has ordered state government buildings to fly the United States and New Jersey flags at half-staff on Monday, June 24, 2013, to honor Garden State native James Gandolfini, who died suddenly last week in Rome. The actor was 51. Gandolfini was best known for his role as Tony Soprano in HBO’s hit “The Sopranos,” which was set in New Jersey. He also appeared in several feature films and stage plays, and produced two documentaries about veterans of war. Gandolfini was born and raised in Bergen County, played basketball at Park Ridge High School, and graduated from Rutgers University. Christie’s executive order states in part: “WHEREAS, it is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of James Gandolfini and extend our sincere sympathy to his family, friends, and countless fans, and WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize the achievements and contributions, to honor the memory, and to mark the passing of James Gandolfini.” The order applies to all state government buildings, offices, and other properties. Christie has ordered flags to fly at half-staff in honor of local military service members, former and current local elected officials, celebrities with ties to the state, and victims of national tragedies. In recent weeks, U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Christian, who died in Afghanistan, and the victims of the Boston marathon bombings and the massive tornado in Oklahoma have been honored this way.