"The Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Teresa Giudice's father, Giacinto Gorga has passed away. Teresa and her brother Joe Gorga confirmed the news today on Instagram. The siblings also lost their mother to a battle with pneumonia just three years ago.

 

Teresa shared a heartfelt message about her father on Instagram, "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. 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."

 

 

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A post shared by TERESA GIUDICE ® (@teresagiudice) on Apr 3, 2020 at 10:57am PDT

 

 

She continued, "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. 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 Gorga shared a mournful post for his father saying , "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. 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"

 

 

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A post shared by Joe Gorga (@joeygorga) on Apr 3, 2020 at 11:00am PDT

 

 

 

Giacinto was an adoring father to Teresa and Joe and grandfather to seven grandchildren: Teresa's four daughters Gia, 19, Gabriella, 16, Milania, 15, and Audriana, 11, and Joe's daughter Antonia, 14, and sons Gino, 12, and Joey, 9.

 

Joe Giudice, currently separated from Teresa, share his love from Italy, "Thank you for setting an example for us and my girls-you're an exemplary example. We benefited from it every day. 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. Now, Your ❤️ and my dad are smiling in this tough time because they get to enjoy your good food and funny jokes. Love you Cin cin."

 

 

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A post shared by Joe Giudice (@joe.giudice) on Apr 3, 2020 at 11:37am PDT

 

 

Joe's wife Melissa Gorga said of her father-in-law, "Heaven just got another angel🙏🏼 You've been the only Dad I've known for the past 16 years. You were such an incredible man and such a loving Nonno.. they don't make them like you anymore. 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."

 

 

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A post shared by Melissa Gorga (@melissagorga) on Apr 3, 2020 at 11:08am PDT

 

 

Photo credit: Teresa Giudice/Instagram