The (Truly) Late Abe Vigoda Of Passaic Would Have Enjoyed This One

It began in 1982, when People magazine referred to him as "the late Abe Vigoda."

Vigoda often told stories himself about people surprised to run into him after that -- sometimes during jogs around Central Park's reservoir in his mid-70s (SEE: "Are They Dead Yet? Well Yes And No," The New York Times).

He kept the joke rolling during talk show appearances.

Then came Internet infamy.

Abevigoda.com, created in May 2001 for the sole reason of reporting the sunken-eyed actor's life status, broke the news at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday: "Abe Vigoda is dead." 

The domain name was set to expire in four months.

A site called "Is Abe Vigoda Dead?" changed its status, as well: "Yes. (February 24, 1921 - January 26, 2016)" is all it said.

Meanwhile, the Facebook page "Abe Vigoda Facts" reported with tongue firmly planted in cheek.

"It was fun while it lasted...and outlasted!" one visitor commented.

The administrator followed with a photo of the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards that said: "I Win."

Vigoda broke from obscurity for his role of Sal Tessio in "The Godfather" and "The Godfather Part II."

He became a household name playing Detective Phil Fish in the 1970s TV series "Barney Miller."Fame never left him: Last October, Vigoda was received warmly at the Chiller Theatre Expo in Parsippany.

Family members said he died in his sleep in the Woodland Park home of his daughter, Carol Vigoda Fuchs. He is also survived by grandchildren Jamie, Paul and Steven and a great-grandson.

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