The reality television universe lost one its brightest, most over the top, larger than life stars early Thursday morning: Big Ang has passed away at age 55. 

Angela Raiola, better known as “Big Ang”, and the everything-is-bigger-Staten-Island star of Mob Wives, lost her battle to Stage 4 cancer surrounded by friends and family. 

The bar owner (and niece of one of Brooklyn’s most infamous mob bosses) had been diagnosed with a tumour in her throat in early 2015. It appeared she was in the clear until late last year, when it was revealed the cancer had spread to her lungs and brain. 

Rest in peace, Big Ang! 

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