Joe Giudice’s Dad Dies: Frank Giudice ‘Drops Dead’ In Joe’s Backyard

Joe Giudice has lost his father. The reality television star’s dad died while building a chicken coop in his son’s backyard. According to TMZ, 63-year-old Frank Giudice suddenly dropped to the ground, presumably taking a massive heart attack, but that has yet to be confirmed. EMTs were reportedly still at Joe and Teresa’s home at the time TMZ reported the news.

Frank Giudice did not have any history of health problems that the public knows about. It is unknown what might have triggered Frank’s heart attack (assuming he had one), but there could have been multiple factors. Whether or not Frank was alone at the Giudice’s home or how long he was on the ground before he was found is also unclear. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to WetPaint, Frank leaves behind three children — Joe, Maria, and Pete. It is unknown how many children Joe Giudice’s siblings have, but Frank was a grandfather to at least four — Joe and Teresa’s four daughters Gia, 13, Gabriella, 9, Melania, 8, and Audriana, 4.

Joe Giudice and his wife, Teresa, have been spending a lot of time with their families over the past few months according to The Inquisitr. The couple, both 42, are facing jail time following several federal fraud charges brought against them. Both Joe and Teresa plead guilty to some of the charges and are awaiting their sentencing on July 8. This could have been a major stress factor that weighed heavily on Frank Giudice’s mind.

Obviously this is a very difficult time for Joe, who will more than likely be spending a great deal of time behind bars. Regardless of whether or not he broke the law, losing a parent isn’t easy. When it happens so suddenly and without warning, that can be even harder. The Giudice family has had a very tough year, and it is not getting any easier.

There have been quite a few rumors about Joe and Teresa Giudice getting divorced — especially if Joe ends up going to jail for 30+ years, but the couple seem to be putting forward a united front. It is what they have done since the very beginning of this whole court thing — and it is what they will undoubtedly do today and in the coming days. A tragedy like this is very difficult, but Joe and Teresa are fortunate that they don’t have to go through it alone.

[Photo courtesy of Alo Ceballos/GC Images/Getty via People]