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Teresa Giudice's Father Giacinto Gorga Has Passed Away
"Thank you for showing us all what true love is," The Real Housewives of New Jersey mom said.
Teresa Giudice's father, Giacinto Gorga, passed away on Friday, April 3, The Real Housewives of New Jersey cast member announced on Instagram.
Teresa shared the news in a post that featured several photos of Giacinto, who was lovingly referred to as Nonno (which means grandfather in Italian) on RHONJ. "My father, my protector, my hero, God took you early this morning to be with mommy," Teresa wrote. "I saw you peacefully pass [and] I know you kept fighting for my daughters and I."
She went on to share some of her favorite memories of her dad. "I have so many amazing thoughts of you, every day seeing you in the kitchen at my home, teaching my girls to cook, my partner in crime on shopping trips, your love of the shore [and] my travel buddy," she shared. "You always wanted everyone to have a good time, eat great food, have a stiff drink and enjoy life."
Teresa praised Giacinto, not only for the father he was to her and brother, Joe Gorga, and the Nonno he was to her four daughters (Gia, 19, Gabriella, 15, Milania, 14, and Audriana, 10), but also for the husband he was to her mother, Antonia Gorga, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 66.
"You are the absolute strongest man I know [and] I know you missed mommy so much but you stayed for us. Thank you for being the best husband, father [and] Nonno. Your devotion to mommy was one for the record books, you were the true example and a gentleman and devoted husband," Teresa wrote. "You visited mommy every single day [and] would go twice for the days you missed while traveling or if you were to sick to go, my silver lining is knowing you’ll be together now. Thank you for showing us all what true love is. Love you Papa Rest In Peace."
The news of Giacinto's passing comes just a day after Teresa asked fans to keep her and her family in their thoughts and prayers as her father dealt with some health issues. "At this trying time I’m graciously asking for any extra prayers, good vibes, love....please send my fathers way," Teresa wrote in the caption to a throwback photo of her dad surrounded by his family. "My father is struggling and my girls and I need him, we need his love, his presence [and] his strength."
Teresa continued to pay tribute to her late father in her Instagram Story, sharing photos of him with his loved ones throughout his lifetime, along with the words, "love you Dad," "kiss Mommy for Joey & T," and "rest in eternal peace my beautiful father."
She concluded the tribute, "Please give me strength."
