The mother-of-four confirmed on Friday, April 3, that her father, known to his grandchildren and Bravo fans as Nonno, died at the age of 76. “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. You are the absolute strongest man I know & I know you missed mommy so much but you stayed for us,” Giudice, 47, wrote via Instagram.
“Thank you for being the best husband, father & Nonno,” she continued. “Your devotion to mommy was one for the record books, you were the true example and a gentleman and devoted husband. 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. Thank you for showing us all what true love is. Love you Papa Rest In Peace.”
Joe, for his part, wrote that he is in disbelief that his father has passed. “I can’t believe he is gone💔 The world lost an amazing man human being today,” he penned. “He was exactly what a true father and husband should be. I will miss you more than you know, But go find your wife because I know that’s all you want and all you’ve ever talked about for the past 3 years. You will be missed every single day.”
Andy Cohen: “So sad about Nono!!!” he tweeted, according to Us Weekly. “He was a sweet patriarch to a wonderful family and a mainstay of #RHONJ. Sending all my love to @Teresa_Giudice @joegorga and the whole family.”
Aviva Drescher: “I am so deeply sorry. ❤️,” the Real Housewives of New York City alum commented.
Dina Manzo: “Reunited with his love ❤️ what a truly remarkable love story,” she commented. “We will miss seeing your bright smile Nonno 😿”
Frank Catania Jr.: “Such an amazing man❤️ So sorry Teresa,” Dolores Catania’s son wrote to Teresa. “Will be praying for you and the Family.”
Jackie Goldschneider: Jackie sent love on Teresa, Joe and Melissa’s posts, writing, “Sending love and strength to your beautiful family. My heart is with you today.❤️”
Jennifer Aydin: “I’m so so sorry for your loss!” the RHONJ star wrote. “He was such a sweet ball of love. I’m praying for you and the girls. I’m here for you- when you’re ready🙏🏻”
Kim Zolciak-Biermann wrote, “I’m so sorry for your loss. Such a remarkable man. You all with be in my thoughts and prayers. Sending lots of love.”
Kyle Richards: “So sorry for your loss,” the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star wrote to Teresa. “Thinking of you Teresa 🙏 May he Rest In Peace with your Mother ❤️”
Leah McSweeney: “So sorry Teresa ❤️❤️❤️,” the RHONY star commented.
Lisa Hochstein: “I’m so sorry for your loss,” the former RHOM star commented.
Luann de Lesseps: “So sorry Teresa. Thinking of you! Sending ❤️🙏,” she wrote.
Margaret Josephs: “Sending all our love and prayers for your beautiful family,” Teresa and Melissa’s costar wrote. “I know he is reunited with his love your mother 🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️👧🏼”
NeNe Leakes: “Sending my condolences to you and your entire family!” the Real Housewives of Atlanta star wrote. “We love you ❤️”
Phaedra Parks: “Praying for you and your family may God comfort and keep you 🙏🏾❣️🙏🏾🕊,” she wrote.
Stephanie Hollman: The Real Housewives of Dallas star wrote, “I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending you and your family so much love and prayers during this difficult time.”
Sheree Whitfield: “Sorry for ur loss. Sending prayers to u and ur family!🙏🙏,” she wrote.
Tamra Judge: “I’m so sorry RIP sweet Nono 🙌🏼,” the Real Housewives of Orange County alum wrote to Melissa, according to Us Weekly.
Vicki Gunvalson: “Peace be with you and your family. ❤️,” she wrote.
It is unclear what caused Gorga’s death, but a rep for Giudice told Page Six on Friday that “he had been sick for a while. It’s so sad.”
In a statement to PEOPLE, Teresa’s attorney James J. Leonard said, “Everyone is devastated. He was such a kind-hearted and loving man. He will be greatly missed by all of those who were fortunate to know him, but especially his children and grandchildren who absolutely adored him.”
Teresa lost her mom Antonia Gorga in March 2017 at the age of 66 following a battle with pneumonia. Following Antonia’s death, Giacinto began living with Teresa and her daughters. Giacinto had seven grandchildren total — Teresa’s four daughters Gia, 19, Gabriella, 16, Milania, 15, and Audriana, 11, and Joe and Melissa’s daughter Antonia, 14, and sons Gino, 12, and Joey, 9.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Teresa and Joe's families during this difficult time.
Photo Credit: Instagram