Jan, the first husband of ‘RHONJ’ star Margaret Josephs, has died aged 74
Margaret Josephs’ first husband, Jan Josephs, died « unexpectedly last week, » the « Real Housewives of New Jersey » star announced Monday.
« Today would have been Jan’s 75th birthday, » Margaret captioned a black and white Instagram photo of her late spouse. « He passed away suddenly last week and a part of us died with him. We are heartbroken.
Although Bravolebrity, 55, did not disclose Jan’s death, People reported that he suffered a fatal heart attack.
Josephs said the two « shared a beautiful conversation » the day before he died, during which they « bragged » about the « bliss » they felt of having such « successful and happy » children.
« We talked every day [sic]he was my family,” she shared, calling Jan “an amazing father, grandfather, friend [and] partner of his girlfriend.
She added: « He loved everyone unconditionally, he loved Motown, exercise and Italian food, but most of all he loved his family. »
As for the photo she chose for her online tribute, Margaret explained that it was « one of her favorites » and said she felt it captured her « youthful spirit ».
« Happy birthday my angel 🙏🙏🙏💔💔, » she concluded.
Margaret’s friend and co-star Dolores Catania was one of the first people to comment on the post, writing, « Happy birthday heavenly Jan ❤️ I hear the oldies playing from here 😇🙌. »
Margaret married Jan – who was already a father of three children aged 8 to 16 – in 1994. They then had a son.
The fashion designer has spoken candidly about how her affair with her current husband – her then-entrepreneur Joe Benigno – contributed to her split from Jan and caused major rifts in her relationship with the four children .
In 2013, the same year Margaret and Jan finalized their divorce, she said « I do » to Benigno, 68.
« I’m sorry for how it happened, » the ‘RHONJ’ star told People in 2018. « But nobody leaves a happy marriage. »
« Our marriage was well over before Joe came on the scene, » she added. « Jan knows what happened, and we’re good friends…we’re still a team. »
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