John Arthur Camera

John Arthur Camera

July 11, 1956 - June 13, 2024

John Arthur Camera passed away peacefully on June 13th, 2024, surrounded by his family, following a brief and defiant battle with pancreatic cancer. A devoted father of six, a loving husband, a caring brother and son, a friend to many and a dedicated public servant, he will be greatly missed.

Born on July 11th, 1956, in Trenton, NJ, John grew up in a large and loving family during the wonder years of the 60's and 70's. From a young age he practiced forging his own path. He had a passion for photography, so he made it his first business, advertising in local newspapers as: "Photos by Camera... Naturally!" At the same time, he pursued his many other interests including riding and restoring motorcycles, tackling any mechanical project he could get his hands on and becoming a skilled baker.

In the 1980's John started his next business venture, Tideaway Apartments. Together with his parents, brother Jeffrey and then-spouse Pegeen, John purchased his first rental property in Seaside Heights, NJ. Applying his many skills, he transformed this real estate investment into a thriving business. He fell in love with the shore town, and it embraced him back.

As his real estate business and family grew, John became deeply involved in the local community and was elected to the Seaside Heights City Council as an Independent in 1992. He was a natural leader with a passion for problem solving and bringing people together. John was appointed Borough Administrator in 1995 and would go on to serve in that capacity for the next two decades, always favoring pragmatism and direct action in day-to-day operations. One of his last major projects was spearheading the reconstruction of the town in the aftermath of superstorm Sandy.

In 2012 John moved to Colts Neck, NJ with wife Phyllis and their four young children. He took great pleasure in working on his new home, as well as entertaining friends and family. John retired as borough administrator in Seaside Heights in late 2014, but soon realized he wasn't ready to slow down, and accepted the position of Administrator for Berkeley Township in 2015.

John took great pride in his work for Berkeley Township, as well as his volunteer work as Board of Education President for Colts Neck Township Schools. He was the heart and soul of Colts Kids First, rallying the community with his enthusiasm and genuine love for making a difference.

John was many things throughout his life: a devoted friend, a yogi, a cyclist, a weightlifter, a movie enthusiast, a dedicated public servant, and much more. His constant willingness to help anyone he could was an inspiration to those fortunate enough to know him, and his contagious optimism brightened the lives of everyone around him.

His ultimate joy was his children and cooking for them, along with anyone else in the vicinity! John truly believed in the idea of "the more the merrier" cracking jokes while whipping up his favorite dishes, usually with a glass of wine in hand. He cherished spending his weekends boating on Barnegat Bay and traveling with Phyllis and the younger kids. Never missing a beat, he attended every one of his younger kids' sporting events. His older children followed in his entrepreneurial footsteps, and he was present and pivotal in all their endeavors.

John was predeceased by his parents John and Joyce Camera and his brother Jeffrey Camera. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, children Jeffrey Arthur, Jillian (Tyler Merfeld), Jocelynn, Julianna, Jaydon, and Jonas along with siblings Jill (Andrew Damsits), Joan (Peter Koch) and Joseph (Ruth) as well as his nieces and nephews Alma, Tina and Joey Camera and his grand-nephew Giles Compton.

John was a truly kind soul, and the countless hearts he touched will forever remember his boundless energy and effortless positivity.