Camille Tooker Obituary (1951 - 2024) - South Amboy, New Jersey

Camille Tooker, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on Oct 22, 2024 at JFK Medical Center. Camille was born in Quebec, Canada, and was adopted at six months old by Anna and Salvatore Riggio of Brooklyn, New York. She spent her formative years in Brooklyn before moving to Linden, New Jersey, where she graduated from Linden High School. It was there that she met the love of her life, Robert Tooker. The two married on November 15, 1969 beginning a journey of love and partnership that spanned more than five decades. Throughout her life, Camille worked a variety of jobs, always rising through the ranks due to her intelligence, reliability, and tireless work ethic. In 1982, she and her family moved to South Amboy. Camille took a job at the Landmark Tavern, working in the café in 1986. Over time, she became the face of the café side of the business, running it with her dear friend and partner, Bob Heiser, for almost two decades. Her career didn’t stop there. Camille went on to work for the city of South Amboy, starting with the Neighborhood Preservation Program. Through sheer dedication and passion for her community, she eventually became the Business Administrator of South Amboy, a position in which she poured her heart and soul into improving the town she loved. One of her proudest achievements was seeing the long-awaited South Amboy Ferry project come to fruition, a testament to her unwavering commitment to the city’s growth and future. In her personal life, Camille was known for her love of family and gatherings. Growing up in a vibrant Italian household, she mastered the art of cooking and relished in hosting family meals and celebrations. She enjoyed trips to Atlantic City with friends and family, and on a good night, she could be found belting out her favorite tunes during karaoke sessions. Camille had a warmth and charm that endeared her to all who knew her. She touched countless lives with her kindness and generosity. Camille volunteered with the Morgan-Parlin Panthers Football Program in the mid-80’s. Camille wore many hats from commentating the football games, to running the snack bar, and taking part in program leadership roles. Camille loved taking part in the performing arts and was a big supporter of it locally. She caught the musical bug at the early age of just 6 years old, performing in her first ever show and has been hooked since! The only thing better than seeing a production is being cast in one! Camille appeared in The King and I, Annie Get Your Gun, Oklahoma, and South Amboy Community Theater's Production of Once Upon A Mattress. She produced the 1st and subsequent South Amboy Seafood Festivals, started the Holiday Tree Lighting and headed the Emergency Vehicle Parade. She was the director of the South Amboy Arts Alliance, which expands artistic and cultural activities for South Amboy Residents. She was also Vice Chair of the South Amboy Redevelopment Agency and member of the South Amboy Municipal Alliance. Camille was predeceased by her parents, Anna and Salvatore Riggio of Linden NJ and her biological mother, Madeleine Lapointe-Morneau. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Robert Tooker; sister, Valerie Moreno; sister-in-law Dolores Chirafesi; her loving children Robert, Randall and wife, Lynda Tooker, Ryan and his wife, Barbara Tooker; Tiffany and her wife, Berenice Tooker and many loving family members in Sept-Iles and Escoumins. Grandchildren: Courtney Tooker Brandon Tooker Lexi Tooker Benjamin Tooker Brody Tooker Lucy Tooker Brielle Tooker Brynn Tooker Nieces & Nephews: Gina Neal & Charles Chirafesi Bonnie & Patricia Tooker Mary Moreno … and many close friends that she considered family. As per Camille’s wishes, she will be cremated. A memorial celebration of her life will be held in January 2025, with details to follow.