James Gandolfini's body arrives in the United States

NEWARK, N.J., June 24 (UPI) -- The body of actor James Gandolfini arrived at New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport after it was flown from Italy, officials said.

The Emmy Award-winning star of "The Sopranos" died of a heart attack Wednesday in Rome where he was on vacation with his family. He was 51.

A Port Authority of New York & New Jersey spokesman told People.com his remains arrived in Newark via Signature Airlines late Sunday.

Gandolfini's body was picked up at the airport about 11:20 p.m. and taken to an undisclosed New Jersey funeral home, the celebrity news website said.

His funeral is expected to take place Thursday at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in Manhattan.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie ordered the flags on all New Jersey state buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor of the actor, who grew up in New Jersey. "The Sopranos," which ran for six seasons, was also set and filmed in the state.