‘Mob Wives’ star ‘Big Ang’ dies after battle with cancer

LOS ANGELES — "Mob Wives" star Angela Raiola, best known by her nickname "Big Ang," died Thursday morning after a battle with cancer. She was 55.

Her friend Vinnie Medugno made the announcement on Raiola's official Twitter account.

"It is with sad regret that at 3:01 a.m., Angela Raiola peacefully ended her battle with cancer, and was called home," Medugno wrote on behalf of Raiola's family. "She was surrounded by nothing but love from her immediate family and closest friends. YOU (her fans) were some of the most special people in her world, and she loved you immensely."

"Thank you for your love, prayers and unconditional support of Angela right up to the very end," Medugno wrote. "She truly went out richer than any monetary value could ever amount to. The family asks for privacy and peace during this most difficult time."

The "Mob Wives" official Twitter account also confirmed the news, writing, "It is with heavy hearts that we confirm Ang has passed. All our (heart) to her friends + family."

VH1, which airs the reality show, retweeted the message.

A large tumor was discovered and removed from Raiola's throat in March 2015. In June, she also had a tumor removed from the right side of her throat. She was then diagnosed with stage 4 brain and lung cancer. It was revealed in December that her cancer had returned.

Raiola's family set up a GoFundMe page in February, which collected more than $45,000, to help raise money for Raiola's doctor fees.

Raiola is survived by her two children, Raquel and Anthony Donfrio; six grandchildren; and a sister, Janine Detore. Raiola revealed in February that she had left her husband in the midst of her cancer battle.