Real Housewives Of New Jersey’s Caroline and Dina Manzo mourn the loss of their father

Caroline and Dina Manzo have announced their father Joseph Laurita has passed away.

The reality personalities both took to Instagram to share the sad news on Tuesday.

Caroline remembered her father with a tender caption, saying he’ll be ‘Forever in our hearts,’ and adding ‘a tougher man there never was.’ 

Talking about her father’s independent streak, she wrote: ‘His favorite song was My Way and that’s exactly how he lived his life. His way. 

‘A tougher man there never was, and in his final days he showed that strength over and over again. 

‘May God bless you always, Dad, and grant you eternal peace. Know that you were loved. Forever in our hearts,’ she finished.

Dina also remembered  her dad – a father of 11 – on social media.

Sharing a simple video of her pop walking, the Bravo star wrote: ‘I’ll love you forever and always Daddy ❤️ You can rest now 4•20•20.’

Their former castmate Teresa Giudice could relate, seeing as her own father Giacinto Gorga just passed.

She sent her love to Dina and family in the comments section, writing: ‘[Our] Daddy’s are together drinking wine. Love you.’

Their brother Chris Laurita – the husband of RHONJ original Jacqueline Laurita – paid tribute to dad in his own Instagram, sharing: ‘Yesterday we lost the strongest man I’ve ever known. Right up until the last breath he taught me how to fight and to NEVER give up.’

His wife responded in the comments, writing: ‘Your dad was a man that did the best he knew how, who remained married to the only woman he truly loved, and raised 11 beautiful children together through all the trails and tribulations, never once giving up! he was a fighter and a provider to the end! May God bless and rest his soul! XOXO.’ 

They did not share the cause of death or his age in their tributes. 

‘He encouraged me to face all the challenges life throws at you head on! I’ll keep fighting Dad and I promise you I will never give up. I’m sure you’re already watching over all of us. R.I.P 4-20-20.’

Caroline started her stint on RHONJ in its first season, bowing out after season five. Her time on the reality romp lead to her own spin-off Manzo’d With Children, which ran for three seasons.

Dina was one of the series main players for the first two seasons and later appeared as a guest in season four, before briefly returning to the show for its sixth season.