‘Mob Wives’ Star Big Ang Had To ‘Fight’ For Her Health And Relationships

May 18, 2022 by apost team

The reality television series “Mob Wives” was incredibly popular during its run from April 2011 to March 2016. During this time, the show aired for six seasons that focused on the lives of several women that resided in the New York City borough of Staten Island. Their family members and husbands were prominent figures for having connections to the American Mafia, which resulted in arrests and imprisonments for their crimes from time to time.

One of the main stars to come from the reality series was Angela Joyce Railoa – better known by the moniker Big Ang. She was born on June 30, 1960, in New York City and was the niece of Salvatore “Sally Dogs” Lombardi – a caporegime and drug dealer in the Genovese crime family. During her life, Raiola was known to date problematic men, including gangsters who had a very similar lifestyle to the lifestyle of her own family.

Raiola shot to fame during her time on the series “Mob Wives.” She first appeared on the show during its second season and remained a prominent figure until its final season. Raiola was a hit with fans to the point that she even earned two of her own spin-off series called “Big Ang” and “Miami Monkey.”

Sadly, the woman that the world had come to know and love as Big Ang passed away on Feb. 18, 2016, at the age of 55. Raiola led a very interesting life filled with plenty of ups and downs. Read on to find out more about her relationships, career and the highlights of her life.

Raiola led a very busy and interesting life. At times, her family ties landed her in trouble, and she encountered some hardships along the way. In May 2001, Raiola was indicted for her role in a narcotics operation and was later convicted for being associated with the leader of the operation as well as for distribution.

According to PEOPLE, Raiola was released from jail on a $100,000 bond. After being sentenced in 2003, she received a three years’ probation, four months of house arrest and was court-ordered to enroll in a drug treatment program.

Raiola referenced this incident in her book “Bigger Is Better: Real-Life Wisdom from the No-Drama Mama.” According to PEOPLE, she wrote:

“People ask me why I did it. I was a single mom, supporting my family, paying $3,000 in rent. I did it for the money. I wouldn’t do it again and haven’t since. I learned my lesson.”

Just a few years later, Raiola found herself making headlines once again – this time as a prominent figure on the reality TV show “Mob Wives.” She first began appearing on the show during its second season and became a highlight for fans. She was so fascinating that the TV network gave her multiple spin-off shows, including “Big Ang” in 2012 and “Miami Monkey” in 2013.

During her life, Raiola had two children named Raquel and Anthony Donofrio. In 2009, she tied the knot with Neil Murphy. According to PEOPLE, the couple had many disputes while on “Mob Wives,” but Murphy said that he never stopped loving her. Although there had been rumors that the couple was estranged near the end of Raiola’s life, Murphy disputed those claims. 

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Murphy said:

“I was there at the end. I never left her side. I went to every procedure – even though she didn’t want me, I went. I was there at the hospital for the last two days with her. I mean, to me, we weren’t ‘estranged.’”

Sadly, Raiola faced hard times in 2015. She had owned a bar called the Drunken Monkey in Staten Island for years, but it was shut down in 2015, according to PEOPLE. That same year, she had a throat nodule removed. 

“I went in for a test due to the nodule in my throat,” Raiola explained. “I had a nerve wracking couple of days, as would anyone when you hear testing etc… However, I am home peaceful and relaxing. This coming week I will be taking proper precautions and having it removed.”

She continued:

“Always look after yourselves and don’t neglect your health. I’m fortunate and blessed to have discovered something very early, and handle it in a positive manner. I thank you and I love you all from the bottom of my heart.”

Raiola quit smoking – a habit that she had had for 40 years. However, her health problems continued. In a clip from “Mob Wives,” Raiola said that she was previously diagnosed with cancer in her throat, followed by getting cancer in her lungs. She then found out she had stage 4 lung and brain cancer. “So I guess I have a long fight ahead of me,” Raiola said.

According to ABC News, she began receiving treatment in early 2016 before dying of cancer in February that year. Since then, people have continued to remember the late star and carry on the legacy that was Big Ang.

What do you think about the life, career and relationships of Big Ang? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to any “Mob Wives” fan you know.