Teresa Giudice has thanked fans for their prayers after the death of her husband Joe's father, Frank Giudice.

Frank Giudice died last Wednesday after collapsing at their home.

Since then, the Real Housewives of New Jersey star has been sharing touching pictures with her fans on Twitter.

They include pictures of Frank at daughter Milania's communion in which Teresa touching refers to him as "Dad".

"Thank you all for your prayers...xx," she tweeted.

In another, she wrote: "We Love you Dad Forever in our hearts."

Teresa's 13-year-old daughter also spoke fondly of her late grandfather on Twitter: "Strongest man I know.. I love you nonno. Rest in peace... 6/18/14," she tweeted.

Frank's unexpected death is adds another difficult experience to what is proving to be a challenging year for the Giudice family after Teresa and Joe pleaded guilty to fraud charges.

They are due to be sentenced in September and both could spend several years in prison. Joe is also facing deportation.

An unnamed source told RadarOnline that the Catholic family have been seeking solace in the church.

"Spending time with her family minister is helping during a very dark time," the source said. "She has always been extremely religious and is relying on it more now than ever."