Upon learning about the passing of Giacinto Gorga, Teresa's estranged husband Joe Giudice thanks the 76-year-old for 'being a guiding light' and for helping them 'navigate day-to-day challenges.'
- Apr 4, 2020
AceShowbiz - Teresa Giudice is mourning the loss of an important family member. On Friday, April 3, the "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" star shared the heartbreaking news that her father, Giacinto Gorga, has passed away at the age of 76.
Taking to her Instagram account, the 47-year-old TV personality posted a video montage as a sweet tribute to her late father. "My father, my protector, my hero, God took you early this morning to be with mommy, I saw you peacefully pass & I know you kept fighting for my daughters and I," she wrote in an accompanying caption.
The mother of four went on to recall the moments she and Giacinto spent together when he was still alive. "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 & my travel buddy," she said, adding that he "always wanted everyone to have a good time, eat great food, have a stiff drink and enjoy life."
Teresa also expressed admiration toward her late father's devotion to her mother, Antonia Gorga, who died from pneumonia in 2017. "You are the absolute strongest man I know & I know you missed mommy so much but you stayed for us. Thank you for being the best husband, father & Nonno," she detailed. "You visited mommy every single day & 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."
The "Turning the Tables: From Housewife to Inmate and Back Again" author didn't share the cause of Giacinto's passing, but her family's lawyer clarified that it was not related to the coronavirus pandemic. "Mr. Gorga's passing was not related to COVID-19. As the family grieves his untimely passing, they are praying for everyone affected by the virus," the statement sent to Fox News read.
After Teresa came forward with news of Giacinto's death, her estranged husband Joe Giudice offered his own tribute to his late father-in-law. "Thank you for setting an example for us and my girls-you're an exemplary example. We benefited from it every day," he wrote in an Instagram post. "Thank you for being a guiding light - your experiences and knowledge helped us navigate day-to-day challenges."
"Thank you for cooking at family holiday dinners - I cherish the times we all sat around the table together playing cards and listening to your remembrances of thanks. Thank you for your wit - your daughter got the best of that," he continued on. "Now, Your [love emoji] and my dad are smiling in this tough time because they get to enjoy your good food and funny jokes. Love you Cin cin."
