Teresa Giudice’s dad, Giacinto Gorga, dead at 76

Teresa Giudice is mourning the loss of her father, Giacinto Gorga. He was 76. The “RHONJ” star, 47, posted a sweet tribute on Friday shortly after his death. “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 …

Teresa Giudice is mourning the loss of her father, Giacinto Gorga.

He was 76.

The “RHONJ” star, 47, posted a sweet tribute on Friday shortly after his death.

“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,” she captioned a slideshow of photos.

“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. 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.”

Her brother, Joe Gorga, also posted a tribute to his father.

“I can’t believe he is gone💔,” he captioned his own Instagram tribute. “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 🇮🇹”

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.”

His most recent hospitalization was in November, just after he visited Joe Giudice and other family members in Italy.