Mob Wives star Angela "Big Ang" Raiola has passed away at age 55 following a tough battle with cancer.
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"It is with sad regret that we inform you that at 3:01AM Angelia Raiola peacefully ended her battle with cancer, and was called home," Raiola's friend Vinnie Medugno wrote on her Twitter account.
"She was surrounded by nothing but love from her immediate family, and the closest friends. YOU, (her fans) were some of the most special people in the world, and she loved you immensely. Thank you for your love, prayers, and unconditional support of Angela right to the very end."
Raiola is survived by her husband Neil Murphy, two children and six grandchildren.
Medugno continued in the statement: "She truly went out richer than any monetary value could ever amount to. The family asks for privacy and peace during this most difficult time. In typical Big Ang fashion, we knew she would say 'Love you my babies!' This page will remain open as a celebration of who she was and will always be."
Raiola was the niece of Salvatore "Sally Dogs" Lombardi, who according to People, was a captain of New York's infamous Genovese crime family.
"We are all heartbroken about the passing of our 'Big Ang.' Angela Raiola was an incredibly strong, one-of-a-kind woman who taught us all to enjoy life to the fullest," VH1 told People in a statement. "We send our deepest sympathies to Angela's family and ask that her fans keep them in their thoughts as well."
Raiola's health crisis began when doctors reportedly found a lemon-sized tumor in her throat and then the smoker of 40 years underwent two surgeries to remove it in March 2015.
In early February, Raiola's sister Janine Detore revealed the reality TV star had been hospitalized for Stage 4 lung and brain cancer. After nearly a month of chemotherapy, one of her two tumors increased in size.
A GoFundMe page had been created for Raiola, and as of last month, donators had raised over $25,000 for alternative cancer treatments such as cannabis oil.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice even posted a message on social media in honor of Raiola's memory, tweeting Thursday, "So sorry to hear about @biggangVH1 passing away. She was certainly one of a kind and such a beautiful person. Prayers for her &her family."
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
