Final Goodbye: Family & Friends Mourn Big Ang At 'Mob Wives' Star's Lavish Funeral
Feb. 22 2016, Updated 8:24 p.m. ET
Angela "Big Ang" Raiola's family, friends and fans said goodbye to the Mob Wives star for the final time on February 22. RadarOnline.com has exclusively obtained photos and details of the beloved reality star's lavish farewell.
Memorial Service Held For Angela “Big Ang” Raiola – Funeral
After four wakes over the weekend, 1,000 people gathered for the hour-long funeral service at the Basilica of Regina Pacis in Brooklyn, New York.
Raiola's estranged husband, Neil Murphy, was in attendance. "Family members were hugging and kissing each other," an eyewitness exclusively told RadarOnline. "Her husband Neil looked very sad and was very quiet."
Her Mob Wives co-stars Renee Graziano, Drita D'Avanzo and Karen Gravano were also present for the service. "All the Mob Wives and her family sat close to the front," the onlooker revealed. "When they were leaving with the casket, Karen, Drita and Renee helped walk it out. Drita was bawling her eyes out. Her cast members were really sad."
Memorial Service Held For Angela “Big Ang” Raiola – Funeral
Despite the somber tone, the monsignor, who was good friends with Raiola, shared his favorite memory of the reality star. "He keeps a picture of Big Ang in his office right by his desk," the insider said. "His favorite memory of Big Ang was when he took that picture. She came to a bazaar and she entered a contest. She got a ticket and asked the monsignor what her prize was and it ended up being to take a picture with him. It was a good joke that lifted everyone's spirits for a few minutes."
Memorial Service Held For Angela “Big Ang” Raiola – Funeral
The source revealed how the service was a "typical catholic service for a funeral, everyone got communion."
"It looked like it was straight out of an Italian renaissance," the onlooker said . "It was a beautiful cathedral." There were "beautiful flowers everywhere" with one arrangement even featuring her signature lips.
Memorial Service Held For Angela “Big Ang” Raiola – Funeral
As RadarOnline reported, Raiola wore a "black fur coat" for her wake. "Her casket was beautiful," the insider said. "It was fitting for the queen that she was."
Memorial Service Held For Angela “Big Ang” Raiola – Funeral
Before the casket was put in the hearse, family members kissed it and gave a speech. "Outside there were fans hugging the cast members saying they were so sorry for their loss," the eyewitness said.
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Mob Wives Big Ang’s estranged husband, Neil Murphy and castmate Renee Graziano look solemnly on as pallbearers carry her casket into Regina Pacis Church in Brooklyn, NY
"She would've been very happy with the service," the sources said. "It was a very nice way to remember her life."
Mob Wives Big Ang’s estranged husband, Neil Murphy and castmate Renee Graziano look solemnly on as pallbearers carry her casket into Regina Pacis Church in Brooklyn, NY
Raiola, 55, passed away on February 18 after losing her battle to stage four lung and brain cancer.
