Theresa Rigoli Camera

Theresa Rigoli Camera, 82, of Shelton, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at her home in Aspetuck Village on July 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on March 19, 1944, in Messignadi, Reggio Calabria, Italy, Theresa was the beloved daughter of the late Giuseppe Rigoli and Fortunata Pardo Rigoli. On July 17, 1956, at the age of twelve, she immigrated to the United States with her parents and siblings, beginning a new chapter that would shape the rest of her life.

Theresa was a woman of remarkable strength, resilience, and determination. As a young single mother, she worked tirelessly to provide a loving home and every opportunity for her two sons. Through hard work, perseverance, and unwavering independence, she built a successful career, earned a well-deserved retirement, and, most importantly, raised two sons who became her greatest pride and later blessed her with two cherished grandchildren.

She spent 30 years working in Diagnostic and Instrument Calibration at Dresser Industries in Stratford, Connecticut, where she was known for her dedication, precision, and exceptional work ethic.

Nothing brought Theresa greater joy than being surrounded by family. She cherished family gatherings, loved preparing meals for those she loved, enjoyed walking and hiking, and embraced every opportunity to travel. Whether hosting a holiday meal, sharing stories around the table, or spending time with those closest to her, family was always the center of her life.

Theresa is survived by her loving sons, Carmine Camera of Newtown and Rocco Camera of Shelton; her cherished grandchildren, Nicole Camera (Andrew) of New York and Jared Camera of Colorado; her siblings, Maria Sanzo of Arizona, Vincent Rigoli (Charlene) of Oxford, Rocco Rigoli (Maria) of Shelton, Catherine Saraco of Shelton, and Paul Rigoli of Seymour; her sisters-in-law, Maria Rigoli of Monroe and Hilda Rigoli of New York and brother-in-law Rocco Camera of Calabria, Italy; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-grand-nephews and great-grand nieces: extended family members, and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, Giuseppe Rigoli and Fortunata Pardo Rigoli; her brothers, Ralph Rigoli and John Rigoli; and her brothers-in-law, John Sanzo and Robert Saraco.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Friday, August 7 at 10 am, at St. Margaret's Shrine, 2523 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut. Interment will immediately follow at Mountain Grove Cemetery, 2675 North Avenue, Bridgeport.

One of Theresa's wishes was that, although she knew her family would probably wear black, as is our custom, she hoped everyone else would feel free to wear beautiful, bright colors as a celebration of her beautiful life.

In lieu of flowers, Theresa's desire was that any memorial gifts be made to The Mercy Ship and St. Jude's Children's Hospital, both causes close to Theresa's heart. Donations may be made by check, payable to Theresa Camera Trust and given to one of her nieces Natalie DeMeis or Teresa Valadez, or one of her sons Carmine or Rocco, or conveniently Zelle to 475-269-2181. This collective effort in collecting donations allows for a corporate gift match program, maximizing the impact of each contribution.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers, Paulette and Eliana, of Eden In Home Care for their exceptional care and support. They also wish to express their deepest appreciation to Theresa's devoted niece, Nancy Lang, who lovingly moved in and was by her side around the clock during her final few weeks, as well as to her sons and siblings, who spent countless hours by her side every day. Even during her most difficult days, Theresa found her greatest comfort in being surrounded by the family she loved so deeply, quietly listening as they laughed, talked, and simply enjoyed being together. Her love, strength, and unwavering devotion to family will be remembered always.

If you ever sat around a Rigoli family dinner table, you know Theresa could more than hold her own. We think it's only fitting that, this time, Theresa gets the last word.

Above all else, Theresa hoped we would carry these words with us and live by them every day:

"Love Each Other.
Be Kind.
Forgive."

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.millermacarifh.com.