Melissa Gorga Says Her Father-in-Law's Funeral Was "Sweet" and "Very Personal"
The Real Housewives of New Jersey cast member shares how her family has been doing since Giacinto Gorga's passing.
The passing of Teresa Giudice and Joe Gorga's father, Giacinto Gorga, on April 3 was a loss felt not only by his family but also everyone who knew The Real Housewives of New Jersey patriarch.
"He was so loved," Melissa Gorga said of her late father-in-law during a recent interview with DailyMailTV. "Everybody loves Nonno, everybody loves Nonno."
Melissa told the publication that the RHONJ family has received an outpouring of support, as well as flowers, food, and cookies, from loved ones and fans alike following Giacinto's passing. "I’m speaking on behalf of Joe, Teresa, and I, thank you so much to everyone who loved him," Melissa said.
Giacinto's funeral had to be a small ceremony attended only by his immediate family due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, Melissa said that's how her father-in-law would have wanted it anyway. "It was sad because anyone who is, you know, passing away during the time of the corona is scary," she shared. "We were all able to be there and you know, I think he would have rather have had it just me, Teresa and Joe and his grandchildren and that's who it was. It was sweet, it was very personal, and it was sad though."
Melissa and her family documented the outdoor memorial for Giacinto on Instagram earlier this month. Teresa's daughters (Gia, Gabriella, Milania, and Audriana) and Melissa's kids (Antonia, Gino, and Joey) released three white doves into the air as the song "Con Te Partirò" by Andrea Bocelli played over a loudspeaker.
Like many of her loved ones, Melissa has been sharing her favorite memories of her father-in-law on Instagram, including a touching tribute following his passing. "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," Melissa wrote alongside a collection of family photos featuring Giacinto over the years. "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."
