John Aprea, best known for his portrayal of the young Salvatore “Sal” Tessio in “The Godfather Part II,” passed away earlier this month at the age of 83.

John Aprea “died of natural causes” on Monday, August 5, in Los Angeles, surrounded by his loved ones, as confirmed by his manager, Will Levine, to MBNEWS24.

John Aprea :

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Aprea” Levine shared with Fox News Digital. “He was a remarkably talented actor and cherished by his friends. One of the classiest gentlemen I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.”

Born in Englewood, New Jersey, in 1941 to Italian immigrant parents, John Aprea began his acting career with a breakthrough role in the 1968 Steve McQueen classic, “Bullitt.”

He then went on to portray young Tessio in “The Godfather Part II.” Upon being cast, Aprea reportedly reached out to Abe Vigoda, who had played the older version of the character in the original film, seeking advice on how to approach the role.

Vigoda’s response was simple: “I don’t know what I did. Just have a good time, kid.”

Aprea’s career spanned numerous crime dramas and soap operas, including his decades-long roles as Alexander Nikos and Lucas Castigliano on the daytime series “Another World.”

Aside from his tough-guy roles, Aprea was also known for playing John Stamos’ father on the beloved family sitcom “Full House,” a role he later reprised in the Netflix reboot “Fuller House.”

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Aprea is survived by his wife and partner of 25 years, Betsy Graci, his daughter Nicole from a previous marriage, and his stepchildren Marika Parker and Valentino Graci.