The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice is mourning the death of her father, Giacinto Gorga.

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Giacinto died on Friday morning at age 76, but his cause of death has yet to be disclosed, E! News reported.

Teresa confirmed her father's passing, which comes three years after his wife Antonia died from a battle with pneumonia at age 66, via Instagram on Friday.

"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," wrote Teresa, who is mom to four daughters.

"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. You always wanted everyone to have a good time, eat great food, have a stiff drink and enjoy life."

Teresa's tribute to her father was paired with a video that captured special moments in his life. Teresa and Giacinto's grandchildren were featured in many of the sweet slideshow pictures.

"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," Teresa 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."

Teresa concluded, "Thank you for showing us all what true love is. Love you Papa Rest In Peace. 4-3-20."

Teresa has since shared three other posts about her dad on Instagram. In addition to writing, "I love you always," she also gushed of Giacinto he was "a fighter" and "so loved."

"Everyone fell in love with you. You were always the life of the party. RIP," Teresa added.

Teresa's brother Joe Gorga and his wife Melissa Gorga are also grieving this immense loss in their lives.

"I can't believe he is gone. The world lost an amazing man human being today. 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," Joe captioned a photo with his dad on Instagram.

"You will be missed every single day. You had energy that lit up a room and everyone fell in love with you. You were truly one of a kind. I'm so happy you're in no more pain. Rest In Peace Finally 4-3-20."

And Melissa mourned how Giacinto was the only dad she's known for the past 16 years.

"Heaven just got another angel... You were such an incredible man and such a loving Nonno.. They don't make them like you anymore," Melissa wrote on social media.

"Thank you for teaching my husband how to treat his wife the way you treated yours. Thank you for teaching me how to cook everything I make. Thank you for all the energy you've always brought everywhere you went. Run to your wife. She's waiting for you.� RIP we will miss you forever."

Teresa revealed her father was "struggling" in a Thursday post on Instagram, but she did not share details on Giacinto's condition or health.

"At this trying time I'm graciously asking for any extra prayers, good vibes, love... please send my fathers way," Teresa wrote at the time.

"My father is struggling and my girls and I need him, we need his love, his presence & his strength. #thepowerofprayers."

Giacinto was loved by seven grandchildren in total, according to People: Teresa and Joe Giudice's girls Gia, 19, Gabriella, 16, Milania, 15, and Audriana, 11, and Joe and Melissa's daughter Antonia, 14, and sons Gino, 12, and Joey, 9.

Giacinto's health has apparently been failing in recent months because Teresa previously announced he was hospitalized in both October and November 2019.

Prior to his death, Giacinto had been living with Teresa and her daughters, and he reportedly often appeared on Bravo's The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey just wrapped its tenth season last month.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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