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  • Angela Raiola: “Mob Wives” Star Big Ang’s Eulogy, “To Know Angela Was to Love Angela”

    Angela Raiola: “Mob Wives” Star Big Ang’s Eulogy, “To Know Angela Was to Love Angela”

    Angela Raiola, the Mob Wives star best known as Big Ang, died on February 18 of cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones as she passed away. Two of those loved ones–friends Diane Morton-Gattulo and Vinnie Medugno–shared some poignant thoughts about Angela Raiola at her funeral. Morton-Gattulo wrote the eulogy. Medugno delivered it.

    It was nearly a week ago that mourners gathered at the Basilica of Regina Pacis in Angela Raiola’s hometown of Brooklyn, New York to say goodbye to Big Ang. More than 200 people filled the church.

    “To know Angela was to love Angela. She was not the sentimental and overly affectionate type. In fact that made her uncomfortable if you “cramped her style.” If you were a good time, and fun hearted like her; that was all of the love she needed to share with you. Her actions spoke volumes to explain just how BIG she loved,” one part of the eulogy reads.

    “Angela was the type to give of herself time, and again. In the very short time of her celebrity coming into her life, she paid it forward more times than anybody I know, probably better than most of today’s A-List names that have much more than she ever did. Charity and humanity were two of the best characteristics and qualities that Angela embodied,” the eulogy continues.

    The eulogy honoring Angela Raiola went on, sharing her love of giving back to those less fortunate.

    “There wasn’t a charity or cause too big or too small for Angela to lend a helping hand to. She never turned anyone down, unless she was out of town, and still in good faith made a monetary donation to that cause or foundation. Many of times I personally accompanied Angela on long stretch evenings of three paid appearances, and she would stop at a charity event or personal cause, even if it were for just a half hour, un-paid and lend her services of meeting and greeting with fans to raise money and give support.”

    Fans can read Angela Raiola’s eulogy in its entirety on People magazine’s website.

    Mob Wives creator and producer Jennifer Graziano asked People to publish Angela Raiola’s eulogy, with permission from Vinnie Medugno and Diane Morton-Gattulo.

  • Brittany Fogarty Explains Why She Was Banned From Big Ang’s Memorial

    Brittany Fogarty Explains Why She Was Banned From Big Ang’s Memorial

    Brittany Fogarty is devastated and with good reason – she had been banned from attending the funeral of Angela “Big Ang” Raiola.

    Big Ang, who was a breakout star from Mob Wives and went on to star in her own show, passed away in the wee hours of February 18 after battling Stage IV lung and brain cancer. She was 55 years old.

    Fogarty and Raiola apparently had a rather close mother-and-daughter-type relationship. The 25-year-old reality show newbie joined the cast of Mob Wives on its 6th and final season last year, and she and Raiola were said to have hit it off immediately.

    According to Us Weekly, Brittany Fogarty was on her way to see Big Ang when she received a call advising her not to attend the memorial service.

    “I was called on Saturday, by a mutual friend, and told not to attend the services because of something my father did,” said Fogarty. “I was in my car heading over and pulled over and started hysterically crying.”

    The animosity towards Fogarty can be traced back to more than two decades ago, when her parents, Andrea Giovino and John Fogarty, revealed the identities of fellow mobsters in order to strike a deal with federal authorities and avoid jail time. The government relocated the entire Fogarty family from Staten Island, New York to Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

    Brittany Fogarty Talks About Her Family’s Mob Ties and Being Close to Big Ang

    Despite her family history, Brittany Fogarty insists that Big Ang accepted her for who she was and never judged her. She also believes that Big Ang would not have turned her away at the memorial service.

    “Ang never judged me for the actions of my father. The fact that he cooperated with police never influenced her opinion of me, and I loved her for that…,” Fogarty said.

    She posted a lovely photo of herself with Big Ang on her Instagram page, accompanied by a touching message.

    “You will be forever missed and never forgotten. Thank you for always being there for me, I will forever cherish all of the memories and laughs we have shared together and all that you have taught me. Love you.”

  • Big Ang, Star Of “Mob Wives”, Told Her Sister To “Get Over” Her Death

    Big Ang, also known as Angela Raiola, was honored by her friends and family at her funeral mass on Monday.

    Big Ang was bigger than life and touched the lives of all those around her with her tough demeanor and tender heart.

    The sister of Big Ang, Janine Detore, gave a moving speech to honor her sister and share a sweet moment between sisters.

    She said, “A few days before her death, my sister said she was at peace with dying and she was ready. I said, ‘I’m not!’ She said, ‘Get over it!’”

    She added, “She was a star long before TV. Mob Wives didn’t make her a star, she made the show a hit.”

    One in a million .. #ogs #mobwives Your condolences are greatly appreciated .. Ang loved her fans

    A photo posted by Renee Graziano (@reneegraziano) on

    Detore also revealed that her and Big Ang made a pact before her death to care for each other’s kids and grandkids should anything happen to either one of them and indicated that she intended to keep that pact.

    In fact, Detore’s daughter and Big Ang’s neice also shared some of her speech honoring her aunt on Instagram.

    (Continuation)… Boop there. I truly believe everything happens for a reason and now I believe that AJ, Gabby, Angelina, and Robert are living at my house because that's where you would want them to be. I'm so grateful to have a part of you during this difficult time. I see you in Angelina so much especially when she asks us to put rollers in her hair. Angelina is just like you she knocks on my door, sits at my vanity, puts red lipstick on with my red wig and dances around. There are so many memories, secrets, obstacles, and accomplishments you've created with me and my family that can last a lifetime. The bond we had with each other is indescribable. Our last text was you texting me "I have to go to bora bora" and I wrote "omg take me with you" and you said to me "I will." Now I will be taking you with me by my side because I know that's where you'll always be.

    A photo posted by Queen Jean ™ (@jeanniedetore) on

    It read, in part, “I truly believe everything happens for a reason and now I believe that AJ, Gabby, Angelina, and Robert are living at my house because that’s where you would want them to be. I’m so grateful to have a part of you during this difficult time.”

    It went on, “I see you in Angelina so much especially when she asks us to put rollers in her hair. Angelina is just like you she knocks on my door, sits at my vanity, puts red lipstick on with my red wig and dances around.”

    What do you think about the sweet moments shared at Big Ang’s funeral?

  • Drita D’Avanzo: “Mob Wives” Star Overcome With Grief Mourning Angela “Big Ang” Raiola

    Drita D’Avanzo, just one of the stars of VH1’s Mob Wives, was overcome with grief in recent days, mourning the death of her good friend and costar Angela “Big Ang” Raiola.

    According to a report from RadarOnline, Drita was inconsolable when she left the Scarpaci Funeral Home in Brooklyn on Sunday, where she paid her respects at one of the wakes held for Big Ang.

    “I’m good, but not good,” she was heard telling someone at the wake. “I just miss Big Ang.”

    Fortunately Drita D’Avanzo was among those Mob Wives cast members allowed to attend both the wake and funeral for Big Ang. Karen Gravano and Brittany Forgarty were reportedly told to stay away.

    So incredibly overcome with emotion, Drita D’Avanzo said she was done with Mob Wives. She apparently didn’t mean she was leaving the show. She simply vowed to never watch it again.

    “I’m never going to watch the show again,” she confessed. “I can’t.”

    I will see you again one day my friend…I will miss every minute of u until then. I love you. #RIPAngela

    A photo posted by Drita (@dritadavanzoladyboss) on

    Sources confirmed to Radar Online that those paying their respects to Big Ang were greeted by her open casket.

    “Angela was wearing a black dress with a black fur coat and heels. She also had a headscarf on,” the source said of the Mob Wives star.

    Angela “Big Ang” Raiola died on Thursday of lung and brain cancer at the age of 55.

    It will certainly take dear friends and costars–like Drita D’Avanzo–a long time to come to terms with their loss.

  • Big Ang: “Mob Wives” Co-Stars Honor Her Memory On Social Media

    Big Ang was remembered at her funeral mass on Monday at Basilica of Regina Pacis in Brooklyn.

    Many of Big Ang’s friends and family, and friends that are like family, came out to say their last goodbyes to the larger than life star.

    One source disclosed, “Ang’s sister [Janine Detore] gave an amazing speech. It was very touching.”

    Detore reportedly recalled a sweet moment with her sister, saying, “A few days before her death, my sister said she was at peace with dying and she was ready. I said, ‘I’m not!’ She said, ‘Get over it!’”

    One in a million .. #ogs #mobwives Your condolences are greatly appreciated .. Ang loved her fans

    A photo posted by Renee Graziano (@reneegraziano) on

    She continued, “She was a star long before TV. Mob Wives didn’t make her a star, she made the show a hit.”

    After the funeral mass, Big Ang‘s mourners went to Angelina’s in Staten Island for a disco-themed luncheon. Big Ang clearly would have loved it.

    Friends of Big Ang will no doubt feel her loss longer than most.

    I will see you again one day my friend…I will miss every minute of u until then. I love you. #RIPAngela

    A photo posted by Drita (@dritadavanzoladyboss) on

    Big Ang died early on Thursday morning after a long battle with throat cancer. She was 55 years old.

    What do you think of Big Ang’s online tributes from her friends?

  • Angela Raiola, ‘Mob Wives’ Star, Mourned By Hundreds In Brooklyn

    Friends and relatives of Mob Wives star Angela Raiola — or “Big Ang” — attended her funeral at St. Athanasius Church in Brooklyn, New York on Monday. Raiola died of Stage 4 brain and lung cancer.

    More than 200 people, including fans of the reality star, said their goodbyes at a funeral mass at the Basilica of Regina Pacis in Dyker Heights at 9:30 a.m. after which she was to be buried at a cemetery on Staten Island. Her ex-husband, Neil Murphy, reportedly came to her funeral, as well as her brothers Stephen and Louis Raiola and son Anthony D’Onofrio.

    She died at a mere 55 years of age on Thursday at a Brooklyn hospital after her yearlong battle with cancer. Angela Raiola was initially diagnosed last March with throat and lung cancer. As a result, the star underwent two medical procedures to treat the disease. She was believed to have been cancer-free until her doctors found she had Stage 4 brain and lung cancer in December.

    “I thought I was cancer-free, I was going to have a big celebration…” Raiola said in her last interview with Dr. Mehmet Oz on The Dr. Oz Show, on February 16. The upcoming episodes of Mob Wives will cover her fight with cancer.

    Appearing on The Dr. Oz Show last month, she revealed that she gets her strength from her loving family. “I look at my kids and my grandchildren and I know how much they need me,” the grandmother of six tearfully said.

    Angela Raiola Breaks Down on ‘The Dr. Oz Show’

    Raiola rose to fame on Mob Wives and later on starred on her own spinoff series Big Ang.

    Her representative announced via Twitter that fans who wished to honor her memory could make donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

    Angela Raiola is remembered by her friends and neighbors as “incredibly kind,” and several other celebrities also paid tribute by sharing stories of her generosity.

  • “Mob Wives” Star Brittany Fogarty Talks Being Banned from Angela “Big Ang” Raiola’s Wake and Funeral

    Mob Wives star Brittany Fogarty was one of a small handful of people banned from attending costar Angela “Big Ang” Raiola’s wake this weekend and her funeral earlier on Monday.

    Fogarty, along with her mom, Andrea Giovino, and Mob Stars cast mate Karen Gravano were prohibited from attending.

    During an interview with Us Weekly, Brittany Fogarty explained the situation.

    “I think that it’s unfortunate that I couldn’t be at any of Ang’s services this weekend, and that I couldn’t say bye to her in that way,” the Mob Wives star said. “The last thing that I would want is to go there and cause a scene. This is about celebrating Ang’s life and the fact that her family has to say bye to such a beautiful person and I want to respect that.”

    “I was called on Saturday, by a mutual friend, and told not to attend the services because of something my father did,” she added. “I was in my car heading over and pulled over and started hysterically crying. I was already upset because I was headed to her services, but pulled over and cried hysterically when I found out I couldn’t go. I was really taken aback when I received the call, I was not expecting it at all. Ang never judged me for the actions of my father. The fact that he cooperated with police never influenced her opinion of me, and I loved her for that.”

    Fogarty shared a picture of herself with her Mob Wives costar via social media as a way to honor Big Ang.

    “You will be forever missed and never forgotten. Thank you for always being there for me, I will forever cherish all of the memories and laughs we have shared together and all that you have taught me. Love you ? #RIP #Angela @biggangvh1,” she captioned it.

    “I understand that this is what happens in our world,” Brittany Fogarty continued. “I don’t think it’s right to punish me for something that I had no part of, but if that’s what will make this easier for Ang’s family, then that’s what I want to do. I don’t think that’s what Ang would have wanted, but that’s how it is. I’m going to have to say bye to her on my own time, I’m going to visit the cemetery this week and go pay my respects and say goodbye to Ang in that way. This service is about her family saying goodbye.”

    Renee Graziano, Carla Facciolo, and Drita D’Avanzo–all stars of Mob Wives–attended both Big Ang’s wake as well as her funeral.

    Angela Raiola died on Thursday at the age of 55, of complications from stage 4 lung and brain cancer. Her wake–held on both Saturday and Sunday–was held at the Scarpaci Funeral Home in Brooklyn. Her funeral and burial were held on Monday on Staten Island.

  • Karen Gravano Reportedly Blocked From Attending “Mob Wives” Star’s Funeral

    Karen Gravano, one of the stars of VH1’s Mob Wives, was reportedly not welcome at the recent funeral for co-star Angela “Big Ang” Raiola, who passed away last week after a lengthy battle with cancer.

    Gravano, who has never shied away from confrontation on the show, was open about her decision to include family stories in her memoir, Mob Daughter: The Mafia, Sammy “The Bull” Gravano, and Me!, despite the opinion of some that she shouldn’t share anything about her father or his business. The controversial decision was a point of contention on the show and may have had something to do with her being unwelcome at the service, according to sources at HollywoodLife.

    Gravano wasn’t the only person in Big Ang’s life who didn’t get the chance to pay respects; Brittany Fogarty was banned from attending as well, reportedly due to issues between their families in the past.

    It seems the drama from the show has spilled over into Big Ang’s final days, as her co-stars made waves with one another at the hospital and the wake.

    “At the wake, the family was furious at how Drita D’Avanzo came in with bodyguards escorting her, which made a scene. There were all family and friends there. This was a private event. None of the other girls behaved that way. One family member even made a comment saying, ‘Doesn’t she know that there’s only one star here today?’ They felt she was trying to steal the spotlight and make it all about her. They felt her behavior was fake and for theatrical purposes,” a source told HollywoodLife.

    Karen Gravano did sit down with E! News to talk about Big Ang and how beloved she was, saying she visited her friend in the hospital and couldn’t help but notice how beautiful she was even when she was taking her last breaths.

    “She doesn’t want us to mourn, she wants us to celebrate her…even yesterday when we were at the hospital and she was basically taking her last breaths…she was beautiful. You know? Her eyelashes were on, and her lipstick, and her head was shaved, but it fit her,” Gravano said.

  • Karen Gravano, Brittany Fogarty: “Mob Wives” Stars Banned from Paying Respects to Angela “Big Ang” Raiola

    Karen Gravano and Brittany Fogarty were prevented from mourning the loss of their Mob Wives costar Angela “Big Ang” Raiola at her wake held in Brooklyn on both Saturday and Sunday. Page Six reports it was Big Ang’s estranged husband, Neil Murphy, who banned the two, along with Fogarty’s mom, Andrea Giovino.

    “Big Ang’s ex-husband blocked Brittany and Karen from the funeral…he’s paying the bill and so he and other [friends and family] banned them.” a source told the publication.

    It seems bad blood from their families’ pasts is the reason Karen Gravano and Brittany Fogarty couldn’t join Mob Wives cast mates Renee Graziano, Carla Facciolo, and Drita D’Avanzo at the wake. Brittany Fogarty’s father, John, is reportedly in witness protection, and Karen Gravano’s father is Sammy “Sammy the Bull” Gravano.

    Big Ang died on Thursday at the age of 55, of complications from stage 4 lung and brain cancer. Her wake–held on both Saturday and Sunday–was held at the Scarpaci Funeral Home in Brooklyn. Her funeral and burial will take place Monday on Staten Island.

    Do you suppose Karen Gravano and Brittany Fogarty will be prevented from mourning Big Ang at her funeral, too?

  • Carla Facciolo Remembers Late “Mob Wives” Costar, Angela “Big Ang” Raiola

    Carla Facciolo of Mob Wives fame joined her fellow costars in remembering their late friend and costar Angela “Big Ang” Railoa, who died on Thursday at the age of 55.

    Along with Renee Graziano and Drita D’Avanzo, Carla Facciolo shared thoughts on Instagram.

    “If #bigang taught me anything it was to was to be thankful for my life long girlfriends .. And as you can see I’m happy to be with these amazing ladies reminiscing about our time with Ang ..@kimcapone_ #etty @carlafacciolo #reminiscing #bigang #getoverit #foreverfriends #humble #grateful #blessed,” Graziano captioned a photo of the Mob Wives stars.

    Carla Facciolo reposted the same pic, adding her own caption.

    “a day we will never forget,” she wrote.

    Angela “Big Ang” Raiola was initially diagnosed with throat cancer. Her more recent diagnoses, however, included stage 4 brain and lung cancer.

    Carla Facciolo likes to remember how Big Ang always made her laugh.

    “Even filming, I couldn’t keep a straight face sometimes because all she did was make us laugh. Thank God for her, because if it wasn’t for her, we’d really kill each other sometimes,” she told People magazine. “Because if we were around her, she’d be like, ‘Get over it!’ She would yell at me. That’s why I used to call her the Mama Bear, because if I said something she’d be like, ‘Oh, Carla, please. Get over it.’”

    How wonderful that Carla Facciolo, Renee Graziano, Drita D’Avanzo and more have these wonderful memories of Big Ang now that she’s gone.

    Family members and friends attended a visitation for Big Ang at a Brooklyn funeral home on both Saturday and Sunday. She will be laid to rest on Staten Island on Monday.

  • Angela Raiola: Sister Shares “Mob Wives” Star’s Last Words

    Angela Raiola, best known as Big Ang on the reality TV show Mob Wives, passed away on Thursday at the age of 55. She suffered from stage 4 lung and brain cancer, and ultimately succumbed to pneumonia.

    For the first time, fans are learning the last words Angela Raiola uttered before she left this world. Her sister, Janine Detore, shared those words in during an interview with Extra on Friday.

    “She came down with pneumonia last week,” she said of Big Ang. “She went to the hospital last week for it, but she got better and came home on Friday.”

    “Ang was okay, and then she got pneumonia again Sunday,” Detore shared, adding she was rushed back to the ER on Monday.

    Detore said neither she nor Big Ang realized she was leaving home for the very last time.

    “She got in the ambulance and said, ‘I’ll see you later.’ Nothing was going through my mind,” her sister said.

    On Wednesday, Angela Raiola took a serious turn for the worse. Janine Detore received a call from the hospital.

    “They told me I had to come,” she said.

    Angela Raiola–Big Ang–spoke her last words on that day.

    “She just said she wanted to go home. It was very hard,” her sister recalled.

    “I never thought I was going to walk into this, and that’s what I walked into,” Detore said. “Her pneumonia was her death, and the cancer was so aggressive.”

    “It was so quick,” she added. “It was very peaceful. We were playing her favorite music. We were telling her how much we love her and how mommy and daddy were waiting for her. We told her she could go in peace and I will take care of the kids and grandchildren. Even her doctor cried and cried.”

    Angela Raiola is as big in death as she was in life. On Saturday, her Mob Wives cast mates, along with a bevy of family members and friends, gathered at the Scarpaci Funeral Home in Brooklyn to pay their respects. A second viewing was scheduled for Sunday.

    Angela Raiola will be laid to rest on Monday on Staten Island.

  • Big Ang: “Mob Wives” Costars, Estranged Husband Go to Funeral Home for Visitation

    Big Ang, whose real name was Angela Raiola, died on Thursday at the age of 55. On Saturday her estranged husband, Neil Murphy, as well as her Mob Wives costars, and a bevy of family members and friends were spotted arriving at the funeral home where her visitation was held.

    Renee Graziano, Carla Facciolo, Karen Gravano, and Drita D’Avanzo–all of Mob Wives–arrived at the Scarpaci Funeral Home in Brooklyn to pay their respects to Big Ang.

    Neil Murphy, who is a sanitation worker, had split from Big Ang shortly before her death. Despite their estrangement, he appeared at the funeral home Saturday wearing a blue suit and white shirt.

    Murphy tweeted his feelings about Big Ang’s passing and was by her side in her last days.

    At the funeral home, Big Ang’s casket was surrounded by huge floral arrangements. A Chanel-themed arrangement was from her children, Raquel and AJ, and featured a notation calling her “the greatest mother in the world.”

    In addition to starring on Mob Wives, Big Ang was well known and much loved in her Staten Island community. On Friday, a close friend named Lori Falcone spoke with Us Weekly about her departed friend.

    From the number of people who graced the Scarpaci Funeral Home in Brooklyn on Saturday, it’s plain to see Big Ang made a big impact of lots of people.

  • Big Ang of “Mob Wives” Dies of Cancer

    Big Ang of “Mob Wives” Dies of Cancer

    Big Ang of the reality show Mob Wives died of cancer on Thursday. She was just 55 years old.

    First receiving a diagnosis of stage 2 throat cancer, Big Ang–whose real name was Angela Raiola–later learned she had stage 4 lung and brain cancer. She admitted while a guest on Dr. Oz that she believed a lifetime of smoking gave her lung cancer. The episode on which she appeared aired just two days prior to her death.

    “I was smoking for 40 years,” Big Ang told Dr. Oz. “I think whoever smokes should quit, and if they didn’t start, don’t start.”

    Dr. Oz shared his dismay over her passing via Twitter.

    Known for her loud, raspy voice and her buxom physique, Big Ang didn’t mince words, but tried to always maintain her sense of humor.

    Even as her health sharply declined, she continued sharing her life on both Mob Wives and Couples Therapy.

    Big Ang is survived by her estranged husband, Neil Murphy, as well as two children and six grandchildren.

  • Big Ang: “Mob Wives” Star Loses Battle With Cancer After Split From Husband

    Big Ang: “Mob Wives” Star Loses Battle With Cancer After Split From Husband

    Big Ang, the bigger-than-life reality star who appeared on Mob Wives, reportedly succumbed to cancer on Thursday after a long battle. She was 55 years old.

    Big Ang–whose real name was Angela Raiola–was the niece of Salvatore “Sally Dogs” Lombardi of the Genovese family. Lombardi passed away in 2009, but Raiola was featured on the reality show because of her connection with several women whose husbands or boyfriends were reportedly involved in crime families. Ang was a beloved figure, both on the show and in real life, and her Twitter page has been updated by friend Vinnie Medugno, who will reportedly keep the account active in her memory.

    “It is with sad regret that we inform you that at 3:01 a.m. Angelia Raiola peacefully ended her battle with cancer, and was called home. 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. She truly went out richer than any monetary value could amount to. The family asks for privacy, and peace, during this most difficult time. In typical Big Ang fashion, we know she would say, ‘Love you my babies!’” Medugno wrote this week. The announcement came after rumors began to circulate online that Big Ang had passed and a representative took to social media to ask for respect and privacy as she fought for her life in the hospital.

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE!

    A photo posted by biggangvh1 (@biggangvh1) on

    Big Ang had a long battle with both brain and lung cancer, but she appeared on The Dr. Oz Show earlier this week to talk about her health and to announce that she had split from husband Neil Murphy.

    “I felt like he never stepped up to the plate, so I was done with it. Now, it’s too late. I would rather be by myself. I would rather be alone,” she said.

    Ang said in an emotional interview that she was shocked to learn recently that doctors had given her a 30% chance of survival after what she thought was remission.

    “It’s shocking what happened. First I thought I was cancer-free. I was gonna have a big celebration … and then a month later I was stage 4…I was completely devastated. I couldn’t hear what they were saying. … I feel like I went deaf. I was like, oh, this is going too fast for me. Now I’m just hysterical.”

    Ang is survived by two children and a large extended family; her sister, Janine Detore, started a GoFundMe account to help pay for the medical expenses.

  • Angela ‘Big Ang’ Raiola of ‘Mob Wives’ Has Died of Throat Cancer At the Age of 55

    Angela Raiola of the VH1 reality TV series Mob Wives has died of throat cancer at the age of 55.

    According to the Associated Press, the raspy-voiced, 6-foot reality star known as “Big Ang” died early Thursday, at a New York City hospital.

    Series producer, Jennifer Graziano, said Raiola died while surrounded by friends and family.

    A statement posted to Raiola’s Twitter account said she had “peacefully ended her battle with cancer.”

    “YOU (Her fans) were some of the most special people in her world, and she loved you immensely,” said the statement. “Thank you for your love, prayers, and unconditional support of Angela right to the end.”

    Diagnosed in March 2015 with throat cancer, Raiola saw a quick decline as the cancer spread to her brain and lung.

    In September, Raiola told People magazine that she had smoked for over 40 years, but quit the day she learned the tumor in her throat was malignant.

    “It’s hard to just put down the cigarette and never look back,” she said at the time. “I enjoy smoking. I miss it so much. But it’s over. Now I do the e-cigarette. It helps me, just to hold it in my hand.”

    Raiola joined Mob Wives during the show’s second season in 2012 and became a fan favorite. Her own spin-off series, Big Ang, premiered later that year.

    According to Fox 411, Raiola’s uncle, Salvatore “Sally Dogs” Lombardi was a captain in New York’s Genovese crime family.

    She is survived by her two children and six grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending.

  • Drita D’Avanzo: “Mob Wives” Star Arrested, Charged With Assaulting Woman on N.Y. Sidewalk

    Drita D’Avanzo: “Mob Wives” Star Arrested, Charged With Assaulting Woman on N.Y. Sidewalk

    Drita D’Avanzo, one of the stars of the reality TV show Mob Wives, was arrested on Tuesday for assaulting a woman on a sidewalk on Staten Island in New York.

    According to a report from TMZ, D’Avanzo was arrested after she allegedly beat up a woman following a verbal confrontation. The Mob Wives star supposedly punched her victim several times. She was charged with misdemeanor assault.

    Just a day after the altercation, Drita D’Avanzo tweeted her followers about an upcoming appearance.

    This isn’t the first time the self-named Lady Boss has shown serious signs of aggression. She put her hands around Mob Stars co-star Renee Graziano’s neck during a fight on the first season of the VH1 show.

    Drita D’Avanzo is the wife of Lee D’Avanzo, a bank robber who did two stints in prison. She is often referred to as a “sexy firecracker” and frequently gets into it–both verbally and physically–with her Mob Wives co-stars.

    The final season of Mob Wives is airing now. Do you expect Drita D’Avanzo will still be making news for her bad behavior after the show ends?

  • Mob Wives: Man Murdered At Frequently Featured Bar

    Even though the show is called Mob Wives, the reality television angle of the popular series sometimes causes American viewers to forget that these women are in fact connected with a world of violence.

    After all, the Italia mafia is something that is often associated with images of bullet-riddled bodies and persons who “sleep with the fishes”.

    Perhaps this chilling reality didn’t hit close enough to home until the news that a bar owned by a cast member was the scene of a tragic murder over the weekend.

    Police are currently seeking two suspects in the Sunday morning murder of Abdou Cisse. The 46-year-old was killed outside the Drunken Monkey bar in Staten Island, New York.

    According to New York Police Department spokesman Sergeant Lee Jones, he died after a blow to the face caused him to hit his head on the pavement, resulting in his death.

    It was reported that Cisse, a regular at the Drunken Monkey, was trying to break up a fight when he was killed.

    Aside from confirmation that police were still seeking two men involved in the victim’s death, Jones was not forthcoming with any additional information about the case.

    The bar is owned by Mob Wives star Angela “Big Ang” Raiola and is frequently featured on the show.

    As such, it’s not surprising to learn that “Big Ang” was familiar with the deceased victim.

    “My heart is broken by the tragic and senseless loss,” Raiola tweeted, “[Cisse] was not just a customer, but a gentle giant that I loved.”

    The VH1 reality TV show made “Big Ang” a star and no doubt inspired her book Bigger is Better: Real Life Wisdom from the No-Drama Mama.

    The VH1 reality television show Mob Wives follows the lives of women connected to members of organized crime. These women are either married to or the daughters of men who have been sent to prison for crimes tied to the mafia.

    Image via YouTube

  • ‘Mob Wives’ Bar Becomes A Murder Scene

    ‘Mob Wives’ Bar Becomes A Murder Scene

    Abdoul Cisse, 47, was found dead outside the Drunken Monkey Bar and Grill on Sunday. Police reports said that Cisse was trying to stop a fight when he was struck in the face. He fell backwards, hit his head on the pavement, and cracked his skull. The incident happened at 3:40 in the morning. Cisse was unresponsive and unconscious by the time help arrived at the scene.

    The bar, located in Staten Island, is famous for appearing on the VH1 show Mob Wives. Angela “Big Ang” Raiola, one of the show’s stars, is related to the bar’s owner. She also said that she knew Cisse.

    “He was not just a customer, but a gentle giant that I loved. I personally share my heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, and we too are feeling this loss in our drunken monkey family,” Raiola said on Twitter.

    The authorities are now looking for two suspects who fled the scene in a dark vehicle.

    Cisse was in Brooklyn at the time of the incident, as she was filming for the fifth season of her show.

    Bartender Diana Marino spent the entire morning cleaning up Cisse’s blood from the sidewalk. She said that Cisse was one of her most beloved customers. “I was upset when I realized it was him. He was a beautiful man,” she said.

    Drunken Monkey Bar and Grill is regularly featured in Mob Wives. The show is about a group of women from Staten Island who have fathers or husbands imprisoned for criminal activity connected to the Mafia.

    Another bartender said that he knew that Cisse was from Nigeria. He also said that the bar was not a typical place for fights, as they cater to a mature crowd. A Staten Island resident who lives near the bar said otherwise. “Sometimes you hear the people and the fights. It’s very loud,” the resident said.

    Big Ang Gets Whacked At The Drunken Monkey

    Image via biggangvh1 Instagram

  • Renee Graziano: “Mob Wives” Star Betrayed By Husband

    Renee Graziano, one of the stars of the VH1 show “Mob Wives”, is well known by friends, family, and fans of the show to be a drama queen. That’s why previews of the most recent episode didn’t shock many, despite Graziano screaming and breaking down in her kitchen after receiving a phone call about her father.

    What the previews fail to show, however, and what was revealed in last night’s episode, was that Graziano’s on-again-off-again husband Junior Pagan–who was the object of her mistrust for past marital indiscretions–had betrayed her in a shocking turn by cooperating with police after his arrest last year by wearing a wire during a conversation with her father, Anthony Graziano. What was captured on the recording turned out to be enough to arrest Graziano, and that’s exactly what happened.

    Renee and Junior share a son, 17-year old A.J., who was nervous about his parents reconnecting after their breakup last year because it was no secret that his father had cheated on his mother.

    “My son was my adviser,” Renee said. “I speak freely with AJ. I want him to not do what his father did [in the past]. I’ve taught him to respect women.”

    Graziano has said she was suicidal after her father’s arrest but has made peace with it since. She has mentioned on “Mob Wives” that the two of them didn’t speak for a long time because a rift was caused by her appearance on the reality show. As for Junior, he’s currently in the witness protection program.

    Renee has quite a few supporters on Twitter:

    (image)@veronicaromm
    veronicaromm    http://t.co/Nwck2Thr #mobwives poor Renee that is a betrayal beyond words.(image) 1 hour ago via Twitter for Android ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@O_OAtaO_O
    Ata Akpojiyovbi    my heart goes out to Renee Graziano…don’t let them break you(image) 50 minutes ago via web ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@HollywoodLife
    Hollywood Life    #MobWives fans, were u shocked when @ReneeGraziano‘s husband & father were arrested last night? http://t.co/ZCso1t71 We feel so bad for her!(image) 2 hours ago via Tweet Button ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    When told she was a trending topic on Yahoo!, Graziano tweeted:

    (image)@reneegraziano
    Renee Graziano    YayY!!! I hope ppl see strength in friendship “@angelbaby8589: @reneegraziano u r a trending topic on yahoo”(image) 21 minutes ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto