Joe Giudice's Father 2014: 'RHONJ' Star's Dad Drops Dead In His Backyard

12:01 AM EDT 6/19/2014 by Lindsay Cronin, Celebeat Reporter

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Joe Giudice's father has passed away.

On Wednesday, Frank Giudice had reportedly been working in Joe and Teresa Giudice's backyard when he suddenly collapsed to the ground and died.

"Frank Giudice -- who also appears on Real Housewives of New Jersey along with Joe and Teresa -- was building a chicken coup in the garden when he fell to the ground," TMZ reported on June 18.

Teresa and Joe are currently facing years behind bars and will be sentenced for their crimes next month. In recent weeks, despite rumors that Joe had been distancing himself from Teresa, the reality show pair had been spending tons of time with both the family of Teresa, including her mom and dad (who she shared a photo of on Father's Day), and Joe's family, as well.

When they appear in court on July 8, Joe is facing four years behind bars while Teresa is facing two. Joe is also in jeopardy of being deported, as he is not a U.S. citizen. It will be up to the judge to decide whether or not he is sent back to his native Italy.

Although it is still too early to tell what caused Frank's death, Teresa and Joe reportedly believe he suffered a massive heart attack.

According to TMZ, Frank had no apparent health issues. He was 63-years-old.

In a second report by Us Weekly, the Giudice's crisis manager, Wendy Feldman, confirmed the news of Frank's passing, claiming he was playing with the family's pet when he collapsed.

"Joe and his dad were chasing the dog Simba and suddenly Franco fell ill," Feldman told the magazine, adding that the family was focusing on "their family right now, especially the girls."

No word yet on whether or not Teresa and Joe's four daughters, Gia, Milania, Gabriella and Audriana, were at home when the incident occurred.

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