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Rocco Testani Obituary
Rocco J. Testani Sr.
of Hillcrest
Rocco J. Testani Sr., 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, 2008, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Louise Testani; brothers, Tony and Angelo Testani; sisters, Lucy Cerretani and Frances DeRitis. He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Phyllis Testani, Hillcrest; his loving children, Nancy Testani, Skaneateles, N.Y., Joe and Sue Testani, Louise and Rick Callahan, Rocco Jr. and Penny Testani, all of Binghamton; his nine grandchildren who were the light of his life, Joe and Jesse Testani, Tennille Testani, Colleen, Caitlin and Julie Callahan, Amanda, Victoria, Jessica and Rocco III Testani; three great-grandsons, Joey, Dominic and Dana Testani; two sisters, Santina Montone and Filomena Cerretani; and sisters-in-law, Violet Testani and Cathy Barber; also many caring nieces and nephews. Rocco was the owner and CEO of Rocco J. Testani Inc. for 40 years. He played professional baseball for the Philadelphia Athletics and was an Army veteran of WWII serving in Italy for 2 years. Rocco had served as President of St. Mary of the Assumption Church Council, St. Catherine's Parent Teacher Organization, and the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena Board. He also served as President of Catholic Charities of Broome County and was chairman of Seton Catholic Central High Schools 50+ Athletic Fund Dinner. His community service activities also included serving on the board of the Lourdes Hospital Foundation and Broome County Cancer Society. Rocco has touched the lives of many Broome County residents and he exemplified what it means to be a Catholic in today's world. Rocco was also President of the NYS Beer Wholesalers from 1985 to 1988. He was also given the honor of Catholic of the Year in the Diocese of Syracuse in 1985. Rocco has enriched the lives of many in Broome County through years of generous service. His outstanding involvement in Church and Service activities has contributed to making Broome County a caring and supportive community in which to live. He loved and was deeply devoted to his family, church, business and community.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Friday, July 25, 2008, at 10 a.m. in St. Catherine of Siena Church. Calling hours will be at St. Catherine's Church on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Rocco's memory to Broome County Catholic Charities, 232 Main St., Binghamton, N.Y. 13905. Arrangements are by the James V. DeMarco & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango St., Port Dickinson, N.Y.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rocco Testani
Chris Montone
July 30, 2008
Dear Aunt Phyllis, Nancy, Joe, Rocky, Louise and families,
I was really sorry to be away when Uncle Rocky passed away. He was a great man and I loved being in his presence. I will miss him and send you all my love and thoughts.
MARY ANN DAHULICH SWAN
July 29, 2008
ROCCO JR. & JOE,
MOM & I JUST HEARD OF YOUR DAD'S PASSING. PLEASE KNOW YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS DURING THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME.
WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY,
MARY ANN DAHULICH SWAN &
CONNIE DAHULICH
Dr Frank and Joyce Gilroy
July 27, 2008
We were saddened to hear of the death of Rocco J. Testani Sr. It was always a pleasure to meet with him, play golf with him or care for him. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family
Ryan Hazlett
July 27, 2008
Testani Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rocco was a great man and will be remembered fondly.
Michele Kelly and Mike Pratt
July 26, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you.
Tom & Kevin Eggleston & The Eggleston Family
July 25, 2008
To Louise, Rick and the Testani Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. With sincere condolences,
Marty and Susie Lawson
July 25, 2008
The only true measure of a man is the way he touches the lives of those around him. Rocco touched many lives through large visable charities, but also on a very personal private level. He left his footprints through our community as a path for others to follow.
Bob & Kathie(Shine) Mee
July 24, 2008
Dear Mrs. Testani & Family,
We were so sorry to hear about Rocco's passing!
The Yankees lost their number #1 Fan!!!
Our prayers and love are with you.
Bobby and Kathie
Mickey Demarco
July 24, 2008
Joe, Susie & all the Testani Family
We are so sorry to hear of Rocco's passing. He was always good to our family and he will be sadly missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Mickey, Mike & Jack DeMarco
Jennilyn Link
July 24, 2008
I always look forward to seeing the Saturday night dessert bunch when I'm in town. Rocky will be missed. So very sorry for your loss.
Angela Trapani
July 24, 2008
The Testani Family
I will never forget how important Rocky made the people at Vestal Nursing home feel. My mother was one of those people that looked forward to his Sunday visits. He was a very caring person, he always made people feel special.
Thank You for sharing this wonderful man.
Angela Trapani
William J. Baker
July 24, 2008
To Joe, Suzie and the entire Testani family:
To you all; I wish nothing but pleasant memories, my sincere sympathy and most importantly, my prayers at the passing of Mr. Testani. Please know that he is in heaven with his God and at peace.
Stay well.
Billy Baker
Jim & Sally O'Malley
July 24, 2008
To Rocco and Family - Please except our deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Denise Pellegrino
July 24, 2008
Dear Joe and Jesse,
So sorry to hear of your grandpa's passing.
May the many kind thoughts expressed in this guest book comfort you during this difficult time. And may your current grief be replaced by the warmth of his memory as I know he will live in your hearts forever.
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Marty, Denise, and Andrea
Christine and John Segrue
July 24, 2008
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Renee Davis
July 24, 2008
To the Testani family our condolences and prayers go out to you Thumper and Renee Davis
Jon Gren
July 24, 2008
We are so sorry to hear about Rocco. He was a great friend to not only our industry but also to our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Testani's...Aubin and Jon Gren, Jr and Diane and Jon Gren
Jerry Adams
July 24, 2008
To the Testani family:
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Many, many years ago, when first starting out, Rocco hired me as one of his truck drivers and was always good to me. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family.
Jerry & Julie Adams
Concord, NC
Rick York
July 24, 2008
To Rocco's family,
Our prayers are with you. We will truly miss Rocco.
Everyone at York's Landscape Service
gary patrick
July 24, 2008
sorry for your loss
Carol Place
July 24, 2008
To the Testani Family,
I will never forget how he treated the residents at Vestal Nursing. He was a very special person. He was a inspiration when it came to how to treat family and others. I know God has brought a very special person to heaven. May you his family know what he met to others. I know he will make people happy in heaven, with that big smile!!!!
Nancy+Steve Bittman
July 24, 2008
To Rocco's Family,
So sorry about Rocco's passing. Our thoughts are with you all during this sad time. He was a true gentle man.
Maralena Dropp
July 24, 2008
To The Testani Family - - I am so sorry to hear of Rocco's passing. May you find comfort in the memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
John Feldman
July 24, 2008
To have been associated with, or to have just known Mr. Testani, you could't help but admire, respect and love him......he was that special. Our loss is Heaven's gain.
There is no greater sorrow than the passing of a loved one, and, my thoughts and prayers go out to Rocco's wife Phyllis, his children Nancy, Joe, Louise, Rocco Jr. and their extended families. May God watch over them and bless them, not only during this time of mourning, but forever and ever.
Hank and Jennifer Nanni
July 24, 2008
Joe and Sue,
Our sincere condolences for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Dick Matson
July 23, 2008
To The Testani Family,
It is hard to believe that a man who loved life as much as Rocco did, is now gone. We have so many special memories through out the years of our families together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Matson's
Dick, Debbie,Laura,
Tracy & Dickie
Jean Testani Schiffler
July 23, 2008
Dear Aunt Phyllis,
Uncle Rocky was a fine and gentle man who truly loved everyone in the family from the tiniest baby to Grandma and Grandpa. He did so much for everyone and expected nothing in return. We thought he would be here forever but God had other plans for him. My family and I send our prayers and love to you and to the whole family.
Jean Testani Schiffler
Ed, Susan, and Scott Schiffler
Dennis and Karen Majewski
July 23, 2008
Mrs. Testani and family:
What an honor to have known Mr. Testani. He loved his family! We will cherish the memories we have of this wonderful man. We are thinking and praying for you during this time of sorrow.
Warren Drumm
July 23, 2008
My deepest regrets on your loss. Mr. Testani was a tremendous help to me over the years, he will be sorely missed.
Joseph Guinto
July 23, 2008
Dear Testani, Cerretani, and Montone Families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your familes in your time of grief. May your wonderful memories of Rocco bring you comfort. We feel blessed to have known him.
Joe & Diane Guinto
Judy Dutcher
July 23, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Testani family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill and Judy Dutcher
Ken Meyer
July 23, 2008
Dear Joe,
I am sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Marie and Mario Cianciosi
July 23, 2008
Dear Phyllis and Family, It is a sad day for me to read that Rocky passed away. He was a great person and one that will be missed tremendously. Rest in peace Rocky, hopefully we shall meet again past those pearly gates. Our condolences to your lovely family. With love and a heavy heart. Marie (Liberto) and Mario Cianciosi. God Bless you all.
Rob and Robin Hayes
July 23, 2008
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our prayers.
Emidio and Caterina Peloso and Anna , Aldo and Adam Belrango Peloso Families
July 23, 2008
Dear Phyllis and Testani Family
We are so sorry to hear of Rocky's passing and will miss him dearly when we go to Florida. He was the kindest most gentle man anyone could ever come accross. God has a very imoportant job for him by his side and knowing that he will be up in the Heavens helping to organize what needs doing and watching over his family and friends, whom he addored, should bring you great comfort. We have been very fortunate to have known him and shared many happy times in Florida, Everett Arms will be an empty place without him. I have always had the greatest respect for Rocky and will surely miss not seeing him on his balcony when I lay by the pool, tanning. One of my highlight of going to visit my parents was seeing him. We always laughed about silly and sometimes not so silly things. He has touched so many peoples lives in many great ways and we are greatful to have shared a small part of his. May he Rest in Peace.
Monroe and Pat Grassi
July 23, 2008
To all the Cerretani and Testani families,
Sorry to hear about the loss of Rocco. He was truly a gererous and loving person. Our condolences to all of you. Our loss is Our Lords Gain.
Rest in Peace Rocco.
Jim & Connie Roach
July 23, 2008
To the Rocco J. Testani Sr. family
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. The first time I met Rocco, he was a young man selling for Paul A Luchine Distributors on Montgomery St in the early fifties, and I was selling Coca-Cola at the time. He always had a smile on his face and a good word for everyone he came in contacted with.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you
at this time.
Ed Kelly
July 23, 2008
Our sincerest condolences from the Kelly family to the Testani family on the passing of Rocco J. Testani.
Marce Pastor
July 23, 2008
Testani Family
Please accept our deepest sympathy. We will be unable to attend the services, but you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike & Marce Pastor
Joe Burns
July 23, 2008
I once worked for Rocco as a helper on one of his beer trucks. The beauty of this man was that he treated me, a delivery guy, and all of his employees, with the same respect and dignity, as he did the CEO of Budweiser.
A great man.
Mary Radford
July 23, 2008
To Nancy and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Radford
Maureen Roberts
July 23, 2008
What a legacy he has left behind. Mr. Testani's generous and kind spirit will always be remembered. Thinking of you all!
New York State Beer Wholesalers 1986 Board of Directors
Jim Grossman
July 23, 2008
Dear Joe and Family,
It was always a pleasure to work with Rocco when he was Chairman of the New York State Beer Wholesaler's Association in the mid-1980's. Attached is a photo of him, front row, center, with members of the Board of Directors in 1986. My condolences upon his passing. Rocco will be missed.
Rubenstein Associates
Public Relations
Lisa Montone
July 23, 2008
Aunt Phyllis and Testani Family,
I am so sorry about Uncle Rocky. He was a wonderful human being and I feel blessed to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love,
Tricia Matthews
July 23, 2008
To the Testani Family:
On behalf of all of the Matthews Family may I extend our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your husband and father. No words can express our gratitude for the support he has given our family over the many years. Please know that he is in VERY GOOD company up there!!
Mike Farrell
July 23, 2008
Nancy & Family: Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your father. He was an institution and his spirit represents all that is good/proud in the Southern Tier. Mike Farrell
Ron Hovancik
July 23, 2008
To the Testani Family:
At this time of your great sorrow,know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Ron & Dottie Hovancik.(St.Catherine's)
Colleen Matteson
July 23, 2008
Mrs. Testani and all the family,
Many happy memories of Mr. Testani fill our hearts at this difficult time. We all wish we could be there for you but know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. With love and our very deepest sympathy.
The Matteson Family
Mary Margaret Smith (Gennett)
July 23, 2008
To the Testani Family,
Alot of memories were made with Rocky and the Testani family and my family. Cherish all the memories as they last forever. My prayers and sympathy are with your family.
Frannie Palermo Giannuzzi
July 23, 2008
Dear Phyllis and Children
I am so sorry about the loss of Rocky - he was such a wonderful human being and caring Dad and husband. It is so hard to loss a father but you will always have such pleasant memories of the wonderful man he was
John and Nancy Cooley
July 23, 2008
Dear Testani Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Rocco's passing. He will be remembered as a great man in our Hillcrest/CV community.
John, Nancy Cooley and Family
Rick and Erin Ruffo
July 23, 2008
A generous and wonderful man who will be missed by so many.
Ellen Bradley
July 23, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. We have fond
memories of Mr. Testani pulling up to 7 Utica Ave in the Cadillac and
"beeping the horn" to announce his arrival out in front of the house.
We will be up to BGM for a visit very soon Fri 8.1.08 thru Tues 8.5.08 and we hope to see you during that time. Regards, Karen and Ellen Bradley
Kate
July 23, 2008
Victoria,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. I know this is a hard time, but you have great memories of your grandpa that will bring you peace during these difficult time.
Dennis Segrue
July 23, 2008
Sorry to hear of you loss, you're in our prayers
Jack Sullivan
July 23, 2008
Joe & Susie,
So sad to hear of your loss. Your Dad / Father-in-law was a true inspiration to all that had the privilege of knowing him. My deepest thoughts are with you and your family in this difficult time.
Jack Sullivan
Mary Matthews / Davy Dutcher
July 23, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Gwynne Troy
July 23, 2008
Dear Joe, Suzy and Family,
I was so sorry to read of your father's death. Through the years I met him several times and he was "quite a fine gentleman" He will be missed by very many.
I have been in the Boston area for several weeks and therefore will not be able to make calling hours. I send you my sympathy and prayers.
With love to your mom and entire family,
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