On the set of "Porterhouse"

Originally a legitimate stage actor flexing his mammoth chops in such Broadway classics as “Kiss me Kate” and “Party Favor”, the swashbuckling screen jester eventually made his way to the big screen in several forgettable pictures including “Smokey and The Bandit II” and the Skinemax disaster “Porterhouse”.

Surviving family members and a few close friends assembled and conducted a dusty vigil in the hot Arizona desert on Tuesday.

Many of those close to DeLuise were choking back tears describing the late actor’s long and courageous battle with art disease. Longtime collaborator and sidekick Burt Reynolds gave a short, but insensitive eulogy to describe the life of the deceased funnyman.

Many onlookers were stunned that the acclaimed actor and accomplished asshole had even made an appearance at the service.

Reynolds’s slurred speech and stumbling, however, were not as unexpected.

“The guy was a real workhorse”, Reynolds proclaimed. “I remember busting onto the set of ‘Cannonball’ and this son of a bitch was already a couple of shots of whiskey deep and cracking wise with the key grip. He just never let up, this guy. Wherever you are you bastard, make sure you save a spot for old Burt.”

It was then that a tearful Carol DeLuise hugged the inebriated Reynolds and had him escorted from her late husband’s service. Mrs. DeLuise had always remained a loyal if unattractive partner in almost all of Dom’s ill-fated projects. Once a poor and disillusioned harlot on the streets of the Vatican, Carol DeLuise had caught Dom’s eye after landing a spot as an extra in the Catholic spoof “The Slippery Pope”.

Flanked by his sons Michael, Peter, and David, the DeLuise family eventually started a comedy troupe and on April 21, 1976 ABC aired “Dom and Them”.

The variety show failed to impress audiences and started what would be a lifelong battle with art disease for the bumbling comedian. Although mostly forgotten by American audiences, the larger than usual performer will no doubt be fondly remembered by those closest to him.