Big Ang Raiola, known for her larger-than-life personality, passed away on February 18, 2016 at the age of 55 after a battle with lung and brain cancer. Raiola first rose to fame as one of the stars of the VH1 reality show “Mob Wives,” which documented the lives of women with connections to the New York Mafia.
Net Worth
At the time of her death in 2016, Raiola had an estimated net worth of $5 million.
Raiola made her fortune through her various business ventures, including the launch of her own line of signature cocktails, “Big Ang’s Bigger is Better,” as well as her own perfume and clothing line. She also wrote a book about her life, titled “Bigger is Better: Real Life Wisdom from the No-Nonsense Mom, Wife, and Boss,” which was a bestseller.
In addition to her successful business ventures, Raiola also made a significant amount of money through her appearance on “Mob Wives.” The show was a hit and ran for six seasons, and Raiola was one of its most popular stars. She was known for her distinctive voice, brash humor, and strong opinions, and her popularity only continued to grow throughout the show’s run.
Raiola’s net worth also benefited from her various endorsement deals and personal appearances. She was a sought-after speaker, and was frequently invited to participate in events and interviews. She was also known for her extravagant lifestyle, which included designer clothing, luxury cars, and high-end jewelry.
Raiola’s net worth was a source of controversy in the press, with many claiming that her wealth was ill-gotten and the result of her family’s connections to the Mafia. However, Raiola always maintained that her fortune was earned through hard work and determination, and she was proud of her success.
In 2015, Raiola was diagnosed with stage 4 lung and brain cancer. Despite her illness, she continued to work and was determined to maintain her net worth. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy, but her health continued to decline. She passed away on February 18, 2016, surrounded by her family and close friends.
Biography
Raiola was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 30, 1960. Her family was connected to the Mafia and she grew up around organized crime. Despite this, Raiola had a tough exterior and was known for her straight-talking and no-nonsense attitude.
Raiola’s star rose with the premiere of “Mob Wives” in 2011. The show was a hit, and Raiola quickly became one of its most popular characters. She was known for her distinctive voice, brash humor, and strong opinions, and quickly gained a large following.
After the success of “Mob Wives,” Raiola expanded her brand with the launch of her own line of signature cocktails, called “Big Ang’s Bigger is Better,” as well as her own perfume and clothing line. She also wrote a book about her life, titled “Bigger is Better: Real Life Wisdom from the No-Nonsense Mom, Wife, and Boss.”
Despite her tough exterior, Raiola was known for her heart of gold. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, and was always willing to help out a friend in need. She was also an animal lover, and was frequently seen with her beloved French bulldog, Louie.
In 2015, Raiola was diagnosed with stage 4 lung and brain cancer. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy, but her health continued to decline. She passed away on February 18, 2016, surrounded by her family and close friends.
Raiola’s death was widely mourned, and tributes poured in from fans and fellow reality stars. Her co-star on “Mob Wives,” Drita D’Avanzo, said in a statement, “Ang was not just a co-star on ‘Mob Wives,’ she was my best friend. She was always there for me and I will never forget her. She was one of a kind and will be deeply missed.”
Raiola’s legacy continues to live on through her family, her friends, and the countless fans who loved her. Her larger-than-life personality, quick wit, and unapologetic attitude have made her a true icon of reality TV.
Controversy
Big Ang Raiola was a controversial figure during her lifetime, known for her larger-than-life personality and no-nonsense attitude. Despite her tough exterior, Raiola was beloved by many, and her death in 2016 was widely mourned. However, her life was not without controversy, and there were several instances that caused controversy throughout her career.
One of the most notable controversies surrounding Raiola was her family’s connections to the Mafia. Raiola was born into a family with connections to organized crime, and this connection followed her throughout her life. Despite her tough exterior and reputation as a no-nonsense boss, many criticized her for her association with the Mafia and accused her of benefiting from their illegal activities.
Another controversy surrounding Raiola was her excessive drinking and smoking. Raiola was known for her love of cocktails, and was often seen drinking and smoking on “Mob Wives.” Her excessive drinking and smoking was a source of concern for many, and many criticized her for setting a bad example for her fans.
Raiola’s marriage was also the subject of controversy. Raiola was married twice, and her first marriage was marked by allegations of infidelity and abuse. Her second marriage was similarly troubled, and her husband was arrested for domestic violence. Despite these allegations, Raiola remained married to her second husband until her death in 2016.
Finally, Raiola’s treatment of her co-stars on “Mob Wives” was often the subject of controversy. Raiola was known for her quick wit and no-nonsense attitude, and she was not afraid to call out her co-stars for their behavior. This resulted in numerous arguments and fights on the show, and Raiola’s actions were often criticized by her co-stars and fans.
Despite these controversies, Raiola remained a beloved figure to many, and her death in 2016 was widely mourned. Her larger-than-life personality, quick wit, and unapologetic attitude have made her a true icon of reality TV. Her legacy continues to live on through her family, her friends, and the countless fans who loved her.
