Remembering Angela “Big Ang” Raiola
Her Story
The larger than life “Mob Wives” reality TV star, Angela Raiola, also known as “Big Ang,” has lost her battle to throat and brain cancer, 3:01am on February 18th at the age of 55. Just a few days before her passing her interview with Dr. Oz aired on “The Dr. Oz Show.” Throughout the conversation with Dr. Oz Angela described her journey with these words, “It’s shocking what happened. First I thought I was cancer free and I was going to have a big celebration, and have a party. And then a month later I was stage four.” Angela Raiola passed peacefully surrounded by loving family and friends.
“Big Ang” starred in “Mob Wives” since the VH1 hit series began in 2011. This television series showcased Staten Island women whose men are allegedly connected to ‘the mob’. Angela was the niece of Salvatore “Sally Dogs” Lombardi, the captain of the Genovese crime family. She valued popularity with ‘the mob’ and was known as a ‘mob moll.’ Angela was always the center of attention because of her energetic personality and her fearless mentality. Fans loved her raspy voice and plastic surgery fetish. Viewers couldn’t get enough of “Big Ang” which resulted in a VH1 spinoff show entitled, “Big Ang.” This show gave fans an inside peek of Angela’s Drunken Monkey Bar as well as Big Ang’s Secrets Beauty Salon, which are both located in Staten Island. From this show, Angela received another spinoff show called, “Miami Monkey.” “Miami Monkey” was about Angela opening another bar but in a different location. Angela and her husband, Neil Murphy made an appearance on VH1’s “Couples Therapy.” On the show they shared their experiences throughout their then-six-year marriage. It is no secret that the camera loved “Big Ang” it was something special Angela had that could captivate an audience. In spite of her sickness, she strived to remain happy and enjoy life. She taught this world about the importance of family and friends, and expressing oneself. Lets take a walk down memory lane to look at what we can learn about her unique style.
Pick a Color… Any Color
“Big Ang” was a lover of color. Whether it was a bold lip, or bold handbag “Big Ang” ensured she did not step out of the house without a pop of color. In this look “Big Ang” has cute black leather set, consisting of pants and a jacket. She brings in a little color with a red lip, red bag, and red nail polish.
These Chanel Bags is a Bad Habit
Can’t forget about the Chanel bags! “These Chanel bags is a bad habit”, as Nicki Minaj would say, but I’m sure “Big Ang” would beg to differ. “Big Ang” could always be spotted in a large sized Chanel bag that was not as big as her personality. As if her fur jacket wasn’t a big enough statement “Big Ang” rocks a black patton leather Chanel bag to go along with her tan and brown ensemble.
Killer Heels
In a black turtle neck sweater dress, a Chanel bracelet, and red designer clutch “Big Ang” brings the party to a classy outfit. Her tan platform heels brighten this black sweater dress. These heels are designed with holes throughout the toe and strap around the ankle. “Big Ang” always wore heels that no one could pull off but her!
Her Hair was Her Halo!
Angela wore a variety of hairstyles, some including black long hair, black medium or short hair, blond short hair, and other countless memorable hairstyles. However, “Big Ang” often wore black medium length hair, in this hairstyle she chose to highlight her hair with blonde. Angela is wearing a cream fringed jacket and cream shorts. The incorporation of fringe makes this ensemble fun, while the black high-heeled boots dresses this ensemble up.
“Big Ang” was a lover of life as well as a lover of people. Her passion for family and friends was so genuine that her love could not be measured. Angela believed that one should appreciate life to the fullest and do what makes them happy. Angela “Big Ang” Raiola is missed and could never be duplicated or replaced. Thanks for all of the laughs “Big Ang!”
Article Written by: Destiny Diggs
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Photos Courtesy of: www.fashionstyle.com, wwww.realitytea.com, www.dailmail.co.uk,www.allaboutthetea.com, and Getty Images.
