Camilla (Vitale) Toomey

Camilla (Vitale) Toomey, 88, of New Britain, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Monsignor Bojnowski Manor, surrounded by the love and comfort of her devoted family. She is now reunited with her beloved husband of 64 years, James J. Toomey, who predeceased her in 2023. Together, they shared a lifetime of love, companionship, and countless cherished memories.
Born on June 24, 1938, in New Britain, Camilla was the daughter of the late Mary (DiPinto) Vitale and Frank Vitale, and the stepdaughter of the late Lucy Vitale. A lifelong New Britain resident, Camilla dedicated many years of her career to the New Britain Herald Newspaper Publishing Company, where she worked as a billing clerk. She was known for her strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment to her responsibilities, earning the respect of both colleagues and friends before retiring after many years of faithful service.
While Camilla valued her work, her greatest joy was the time she spent with her family. One of her lifelong dreams was to own a cottage at Moody Beach in Maine, a place she had loved for many years. That dream became a reality when she and James purchased a cottage there, creating a treasured gathering place for generations of their family. Summer after summer, the cottage became the backdrop for laughter, traditions, and unforgettable memories shared with children, grandchildren, and loved ones. Even after her passing, the family continues the cherished tradition of returning to Moody Beach each year, honoring the legacy of togetherness that Camilla and James created.
Her love for the coast extended beyond family vacations and into her home, where she proudly displayed a collection of lighthouse figurines and decorations. Each one served as a reminder of the peaceful seaside that always held a special place in her heart.
Camilla found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved challenging herself with crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles, and she especially enjoyed gathering around the table for a spirited game of cards, with "Skip-Bo" being her favorite. Anyone who was fortunate enough to play with Camilla quickly learned that she believed in playing by the rules. She expected honesty and fairness from everyone at the table and had little patience for anyone attempting to bend the rules—a quality that often brought smiles, laughter, and playful competition among family and friends.
Above all else, Camilla's greatest pride and deepest love were reserved for her family. She treasured every member and found immense happiness in spending time together. Sundays were especially meaningful, as they were devoted to gathering around the table to enjoy a home-cooked meal, share stories, and simply enjoy one another's company. Those weekly traditions became some of the family's most treasured memories.
Camilla was also known for her meticulous nature and exceptional sense of order. She took tremendous pride in her home, ensuring everything was spotless and perfectly in its place. Her family often joked that her floors were so immaculate you could eat off them. Her attention to detail reflected the care, pride, and love she poured into creating a warm and welcoming home for those she loved.
While her family will miss her beyond words, they find peace and comfort in knowing that Camilla has been reunited with her beloved husband, James, whom she dearly missed. The love they shared throughout their 64 years of marriage is now eternal. Her memory will forever be cherished, and the traditions, love, and values she instilled in her family will continue to be carried on with each passing generation.
Camilla is survived by her children, Mary Jo Girardin and her husband, Alan, Kathleen D’Amato and her husband, Guerino, Robin Tighe and her husband, Timothy, and James P. Toomey and his wife, Beth; her grandchildren, Jessica Cetola and her husband, Michael, Amber Verno and her husband, Eric, A.J. Girardin, Zachary Tighe and his wife, Kristina, Conner Toomey and his wife, Kayla, Kelly Toomey, Griffin Tighe, Gianna D’Amato, and Lauren Toomey; her great-grandchildren, Marina Cetola, Ethan Cetola, Liam Verno, Luca Verno, Brayden Tighe, Livianna Verno, and Emmalynn Tighe; her sisters, Pauline DiPinto and Ann Crystal; and her brother, Frances Vitale.
In celebration of Camilla’s life, family and friends are welcome to gather at the Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad Street, Plainville on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 11 AM to 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory Camilla may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741 (www.michaeljfox.org). The staff at Plainville Funeral Home extends their gratitude to the Toomey family for their trust. For more information or to leave online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com.

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