For anyone who is interested. These two quotes/discussions are the closest Chase has ever come to explaining the ending.  He actually cites two prior scenes in the series:

No. Tony is living happily right now on a farm with Tippy!

No. Tony is living happily right now on a farm with Tippy!

Just want to make another shout out to Todd's great reviews.  He really stepped it up this last season as well.   The comments have also been great and even though there are some differences I think mostly everyone here articulates their arguments really well.

Just want to make another shout out to Todd's great reviews.  He really stepped it up this last season as well.   The comments have also been great and even though there are some differences I think mostly everyone here articulates their arguments really well.

True Story.  I actually saw that scene being filmed.  The restaurant that Butchie walks away from is "Ill Cortile" in Little Italy.  They had the big snow machine and rehearsed that 15 second scene FOR HOURS.  I couldn't believe how long a simple scene like that took. 

True Story.  I actually saw that scene being filmed.  The restaurant that Butchie walks away from is "Ill Cortile" in Little Italy.  They had the big snow machine and rehearsed that 15 second scene FOR HOURS.  I couldn't believe how long a simple scene like that took. 

Sorry, it's just so morbid in here!

Sorry, it's just so morbid in here!

The DP for the final episode said the "Godfather" bathroom scene was "specifically discussed" with Chase before shooting.  Google Sopranos DP cinematographer magazine podcast.  

The DP for the final episode said the "Godfather" bathroom scene was "specifically discussed" with Chase before shooting.  Google Sopranos DP cinematographer magazine podcast.  

No, because the WHO isn't important to Chase (whether that is "bad storytelling" is subjective and dependent on why you were watching the show in the first place).   All he had to do was get Tony to that diner to complete his vision.

No, because the WHO isn't important to Chase (whether that is "bad storytelling" is subjective and dependent on why you were watching the show in the first place).   All he had to do was get Tony to that diner to complete his vision.

O.K.  So I was wrong. I always assumed Chase must have read it. Sue me.

O.K.  So I was wrong. I always assumed Chase must have read it. Sue me.

Who knew the first thing you see when you die is "ASSOCIATE PRODUCER MICKIE REUSTER"?

Who knew the first thing you see when you die is "ASSOCIATE PRODUCER MICKIE REUSTER"?

I love the comments as well.  Some people here are brilliant.  I wish these reviews can start all over again.

I love the comments as well.  Some people here are brilliant.  I wish these reviews can start all over again.

I love this post, especially your last paragraph.