RHONJ's Johnny Karagiorgis was at war with other cast members before his death

Johnny Karagiorgis, aka Johnny the Greek, passed away on Saturday, June 4, according to Us Weekly. He suffered a massive heart attack. Karagiorgis, who co-owned the popular hot dog restaurant Rutt’s Hut in Clifton, New Jersey, was known to the public as a guest star on The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

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His wife Penny Drossos Karagiorgis shared the sad news on Facebook along with a request for privacy and respect for the family. “My heart is broken my world is shattered. John Karagiorgis had a massive heart attack yesterday evening and has left us,” she wrote. “Thank you all for your texts messages and support but please understand I’m still in shock n denial that this has happen. Please understand I need sometime to grieve with my kids at this time.” (UPDATE: It appears the message has since been deleted from her Facebook page).

Penny owns Medusa’s Hair Loft, the preferred local hair salon among the Real Housewives cast members.

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As The Wrap reported, Karagiorgis and his wife sued Bravo and RHONJ stars Joe Gorga, Chris Laurita and Jacqueline Laurita, claiming that a fight that occurred during a Season 5 episode was set up — yet Karagiorgis sustained injuries and wasn’t allowed to defend himself. Once the stars counter-sued, the charges were eventually dropped.

Karagiorgis is survived by Penny and his son and daughter.

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