Teresa Giudice and Joe Gorga's father, Giacinto Gorga, has died

Giacinto Gorga, the kindly old-world father to Teresa Giudice and Joe Gorga of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” passed away on Friday, April 3, according to Giudice's Instagram account.

He was 76.

Gorga often appeared on series, offering sage advice, biting commentary or active in the kitchen. He was cooking an octopus on one of his last appearances.

“My father, my protector, my hero, God took you early this morning to be with mommy, I saw you peacefully pass & I know you kept fighting for my daughters and I,” said Giudice on Instagram on Friday afternoon.

Giudice also reflected on memories she had with her father.

“I have so many amazing thoughts of you, every day seeing you in the kitchen at my home, teaching my girls to cook, my partner in crime on shopping trips, your love of the shore & my travel buddy," she wrote.

Giudice continued: "You always wanted everyone to have a good time, eat great food, have a stiff drink and enjoy life. You are the absolute strongest man I know & I know you missed mommy so much but you stayed for us.”

Wife Antonia Gorga passed away on March 3, 2017.

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“Thank you for being the best husband, father & Nonno,” said Giudice of Montville. “Your devotion to mommy was one for the record books, you were the true example and a gentleman and devoted husband. You visited mommy every single day & would go twice for the days you missed while traveling or if you were to sick to go, my silver lining is knowing you’ll be together now. (heart emojis) Thank you for showing us all what true love is.

“Love you Papa Rest In Peace.”

"The world lost an amazing man human being today," said Joe Gorga on his Instagram account. "He was exactly what a true father and husband should be. I will miss you more than you know, But go find your wife because I know that’s all you want and all you’ve ever talked about for the past 3 years. You will be missed every single day. You had energy that lit up a room and everyone fell in love with you."

A cause of death was not released. Gorga had been hospitalized several times in the past few months.

A rep for the family did not reply to a request for comment by press time.

Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at @chrisfhjordan; cjordan@app.com.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Teresa Giudice's father, Giacinto Gorga, has died at 81