Margaret Josephs took to her Instagram page on Monday to reveal her ex-husband, Jan Josephs, has died.
In an emotional post, which she paired with a throwback photo of her former spouse, the Real Housewives of New Jersey cast member, who was married to Jan from 1994 to 2013, when she moved on with current husband Joe Benigno, applauded Jan for the stellar man he was.
“Today would have been Jan’s 75th birthday, he passed away unexpectedly last week and a piece of us died with him. We are heartbroken. The night before he left us we shared a beautiful conversation of how blessed we are, our children all successful and happy and that we could only brag to each other,” Margaret wrote on September 5.
“We spoke everyday, he was my family,” she continued of Jan, the father of her only child (a son). “Jan was an amazing father, grandfather, friend, partner to his girlfriend, he loved everyone unconditionally, he loved Motown, working out and Italian food, but most of all he loved his family. I chose this photo not only because it was one of his favorites but because he had a youthful spirit and will be forever young.”
“Happy Birthday my angel,” she added.
Following the sharing of her heartwrenching post, Margaret was met with a series of kind messages from several of her RHONJ castmates and Real Housewives of New York City alum Dorinda Medley.
“Happy heavenly birthday Jan … I hear the oldies playing from here,” wrote Dolores Catania.
“What a beautiful photo,” Dorinda replied. “My heart is sad for you and your family. We love you [Margaret Josephs].”
And Jackie Goldschneider said, “Happy birthday Jan. I know he was so loved.”
Joe Gorga and wife Melissa Gorga reacted to the sad news as well, with Joe writing, “So sorry,” with a couple of praying hands emoji, and Melissa sharing two heart emojis.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey season 13 is expected to premiere on Bravo sometime later this year or early next year.