Angela ‘Big Ang’ Raiola, ‘Mob Wives’ Star, Dies At 55

Angela “Big Ang” Raiola, who starred on VH1 reality TV series Mob Wives, has died. She was 55.

Big Ang Dies

Raiola passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning following a battle with lung and brain cancer. Her death was announced on Twitter in a statement from the family written by Vinnie Medugno.

“It is with sad regret that we inform you that at 3:01AM, Angela Raiola peacefully ended her battle with cancer, and was called home. She was surrounded by nothing but love from her immediate family, and closest friends,” the statement reads.

Medugno’s statement went on to thank Big Ang’s fans for all the support they’ve offered during her fight against cancer.

“YOU, (her fans), were some of the most special people in her world, and she loved you immensely,” the statement says. “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 ever amount to.”

Raiola was first diagnosed with throat cancer in March of 2015. Despite believing that the cancer had been caught early, it eventually spread to her brain and lung. She revealed in a pre-taped appearance on The Dr. Oz Show that aired earlier this week that she had twice been declared cancer-free before having it come back.

“Sometimes I feel I’m gonna be fine, and sometimes I just don’t think I am,” she admitted on the show.

After becoming a fan-favorite on Mob Wives, Raiola starred on two spinoff shows – Big Ang and Miami Monkey.

Raiola is survived by her sister, Janine, children, Raquel and Anthony Donfrio, and six grandchildren.