Antoinette M. "Toni" Potthoff

 With deep sorrow and a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Antoinette “Toni” Mari Potthoff of Laurence Harbor New Jersey at the age of 74 on January 11, 2026, of . During her final moments, she passed away with her husband of 57 years, Sam Potthoff, and her son, Charley, along with her younger sister, Maria, and sister-in-law, Bridget, by her side. The days leading to her passing, she had a plethora of friends and family who came to help send her on her way and comfort each other through the difficult time in losing such a blessed soul. Toni, the social butterfly she was, had more friends than any phone or Rolodex could store. 

Born in Sayreville, New Jersey, to her parents, Charles and Dorothy Viglionese, on March 26th, 1951. She was the oldest of three and loved her younger sisters, Ida and Maria, dearly, and the three would always remain very close throughout their lives. She lived with her husband in New York City and then for the rest of her life between South Amboy and Laurence Harbor, where she was a well-known, joyous face in the community and in her parish of Saint Mary’s South Amboy. Wherever Toni went, people knew Toni. 

Toni put her heart into all that she did. Whether it be her job in New York City or her passion for professional powerboat racing, fashion, and most importantly, her family and friendships. Toni would always find herself in a position of authority. Not fueled by ego but by her affinity to make whatever she was involved in the most grand and perfect event possible. And for all intents and purposes, she always succeeded. She worked in New York City as a secretary and eventually became an office manager for numerous eye doctors throughout the city. While working, her infectious personality not only made patients and colleagues feel comfortable and appreciated but also gained friends who, to the day she died, she considered family. 

Since 1986, she has worked with New Jersey Offshore, eventually becoming the president of the organization that helped show people the world of professional power boat racing. She loved the races and helped keep the event on the Jersey shore and expanding throughout the country, from Key West to the Great Lakes of Michigan. During her time working on the races, she forged lifelong friendships and touched so many hearts, all while having a good time doing it. 

A beach girl at heart and a fashionista who wore purple better than purple could wear itself, Toni was an electric, vibrant soul who lived so much larger than her short, petite stature showed. This could be attested to by one of the most important aspects of her life, which was what was known at the Broadway Central as “The Ladies Auxiliary”. A group of gal friends that have a bond unbreakable by death or any force in the universe. Her tight-knit group of friends wasn’t limited to girls but to anyone who dared join her crew. She loved her friends and a good time, which showed in her generosity and ability to throw the best party anyone could ask for. 

She was a devout Catholic but was most devoted to her loving husband Sam and son Charley. Sam and Toni were a couple that is fairytale in most people's realities, and their only son, Charley, was given a life filled with encouragement, joy, and love. This is the vibration Toni would be able to instill in all she met. 

Toni is survived by her husband, son, and son’s wife, Montserrat. Her grandchildren, Saesha Devi, Nahuatl, along with her sisters and their families, including her nephews Gus, Walter, Morgan, and Jonny. Her nieces, Macy and Ann, with Ann's children, Jason, Jazlene (Xavier), Rocco, and Rexy. One of the world's brightest lights now shines down on us all and will forever burn bright.

Friends are invited to pay their respects at the Kurzawa Funeral Home 338 Main Street, South Amboy, NJ 08879 on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from 4pm to 7pm, Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 4pm to 8pm and Friday, January 16, 2026 from 9am to 10am. A 10:30am funeral mass will be offered at St. Mary Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church, 256 Augusta Street, South Amboy, NJ 08879.