The Enduring Love Story Of Big Ang And Neil Murphy: A Tale Of Estrangement, Devotion, And Farewell

Angela Joyce "Big Ang" Raiola was a force of nature, a larger-than-life personality who captivated audiences with her booming laugh, no-nonsense attitude, and heart of gold. Known primarily for her starring role on VH1's hit reality series Mob Wives, Big Ang carved out a unique space in pop culture. Born on June 30, 1960, she was not just a reality TV star; she was also the niece of Salvatore "Sally Dogs" Lombardi, a caporegime and drug dealer in the Genovese crime family, a connection that added an intriguing layer to her public persona. Beyond the glamour and the mob ties, at the heart of Big Ang's story was her complicated, yet undeniably deep, relationship with her husband, Neil Murphy.

Big Ang's Journey to Stardom

Before becoming a household name, Big Ang was a beloved fixture in her Staten Island community, known for her vibrant personality and her popular bar, The Drunken Monkey. Her authenticity and magnetic charm made her an instant breakout star on Mob Wives, leading to her own spin-off shows like Big Ang and Miami Monkey. Through these platforms, viewers got an unfiltered look into her life, her family, and her relationships, particularly the tumultuous one with Neil Murphy.

Ang's appeal lay in her genuine nature. She was tough but tender, fiercely loyal, and always spoke her mind. Her struggles, her joys, and her health battles were all shared openly with her fans, creating a powerful bond that transcended the screen. This openness extended to her marriage, which became a focal point of her reality television narrative.

The Complicated Love Story: Ang and Neil

The relationship between Angela "Big Ang" Raiola and Neil Murphy was a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by passionate highs and dramatic lows. Their journey was extensively chronicled on Mob Wives and even on Couples Therapy, offering fans an intimate look at their dynamic.

On-Screen Dynamics: Ups and Downs

Their relationship was far from perfect, often characterized by Angela's frustration with Neil's perceived lack of responsibility or his actions. Viewers witnessed their on-screen clashes, which were frequent and often explosive. For instance, in one memorable episode of Mob Wives, Neil was seen apologizing to Ang for missing a doctor's appointment, a moment that highlighted the challenges they faced. Despite her anger, Ang's underlying love for him often shone through, as she admitted to the camera that she couldn't "do it alone" and ultimately forgave Neil.

However, their arguments could also escalate, leading to significant friction. On the last episode of Mob Wives before her passing, Angela "Big Ang" Raiola's husband Neil Murphy was seen leaving their home following an explosive argument, a stark reminder of the deep-seated issues they grappled with. Yet, amidst the drama, there was also a lighter side to their relationship. On Ang's spin-off shows, the pair often showcased a hilarious and fun-loving dynamic, proving that despite their difficulties, they shared a genuine connection and a deep affection for one another.

The Final Chapter: Estrangement and Reconciliation?

The true test of their bond came with Big Ang's devastating battle against stage 4 throat cancer. As her health deteriorated, the complexities of her relationship with Neil came to the forefront. During this incredibly difficult period, Ang made public claims that Neil was absent during her battle, expressing that she was facing the fight without the love and support of her husband. She even revealed in an interview, and to her daughter-in-law Gabriella Donfrio, that she had once again split from Neil Murphy, stating, "I got." This sentiment was echoed by reports that Big Ang wanted nothing to do with her estranged husband in the days leading up to her death, even going as far as banning him from her life.

However, Neil Murphy consistently offered a different perspective. Despite Angela's on-screen clashes and public statements, he insisted that the two were very much in love when she died on February 18, 2016, at the age of 55. Murphy claimed he never truly left Big Ang's side, even stating to ET exclusively that they were "together" before her death, despite her decision to split. He maintained that even if they had separated, his love for her remained as strong as ever, emphasizing that Angela "Big Ang" Raiola and Neil Murphy may have split before her death, but Murphy still loved her as much as he always had.

The ultimate testament to Neil's devotion, or perhaps the enduring pull of their connection, was his presence in her final moments. Despite being estranged from each other and not living together in her final days, Big Ang’s husband Neil Murphy was by her side as she passed away on February 18. When Angela "Big Ang" Raiola died early Thursday morning, she was surrounded by loved ones – including her estranged husband Neil Murphy. He was one of the first visitors to show up and pay his respects to the late star, attending the first of her funeral services, and was pictured there alongside her grieving family. Angela Raiola, also known as Big Ang, passed away surrounded by loved ones, including her "ex-husband" Neil Murphy, highlighting the ambiguous yet undeniable nature of their bond until the very end.

A Legacy Remembered

Angela "Big Ang" Raiola's passing on February 18, 2016, left a profound void in the hearts of her family, friends, and countless fans. The reality TV community lost another beloved figure, and celebrities, along with her followers, quickly took to social media to tweet their condolences and kind words for the Mob Wives star and her family. Her vibrant spirit, infectious laughter, and unwavering authenticity left an indelible mark on everyone she touched, both on and off screen.

Big Ang's life, and her relationship with Neil, serves as a poignant reminder that love, even in its most complicated forms, can endure. Their story was a testament to the messy, beautiful, and often contradictory nature of human connections. Despite public claims of separation and Ang's wishes for distance, Neil's consistent presence at her side during her final battle and at her funeral services underscored a bond that transcended their arguments and estrangement. It was a relationship that defied simple labels, a true reflection of two people deeply intertwined, even when circumstances tried to pull them apart.

In summary, the relationship between Angela "Big Ang" Raiola and Neil Murphy was a complex tapestry of love, conflict, and unwavering connection. From their on-screen arguments and reconciliations to the profound ambiguity of their status during her final illness, their story captivated audiences. Despite Big Ang's public statements of estrangement and her desire for distance, Neil Murphy consistently asserted his enduring love and was ultimately by her side as she passed away, attending her funeral services and remaining a part of her final journey. Their bond, though tumultuous, proved resilient, leaving behind a legacy that speaks to the enduring power of complicated love.