Jo Ann "Hammer" Testa

Jo Ann Hammer Testa, age 91 of Parlin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at JFK Hospital in Edison. Born in Louisville, KY, she resided in Parlin for 60 years. She was a communicant of St. Mary Star of the Sea RC Church in South Amboy and was a graduate of Kean College.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years Joseph Testa Sr., her parents Joseph and Sarah Hammer, and her siblings Doris Hite, Rita "Mickey" Folsom, Elizabeth "Betty" Testa, Joseph Hammer Jr., and Mary Fusting.

Surviving are her loving son Joseph Testa Jr. and his wife Anne Mandal and more than 30 nieces and nephews.

Prior to becoming a mom, Jo Ann worked as secretary to the commanding officer at the U.S. Army Ordnance Field Safety Office in Jeffersonville, IN, and transferred to the New York office as a newlywed. After her son started school, Jo Ann volunteered at the library at St. Mary Grammar School in South Amboy, moving up to a staff librarian role and then moving over to St. Mary Regional High School as librarian. In 2000, she was honored to be named Catholic Educator of the Year by the Diocesan school. She chaperoned several high school class trips to Europe, and generations of St. Mary's students will remember "Mrs. Testa" as their librarian over 34 years of service.

Jo Ann was an avid researcher of family genealogy, spending many hours corresponding with records officials in the U.S. and Germany, tracking down bits of information from courthouses and tombstones at dozens of cemeteries, and even traveling several times to the renowned genealogy library in Salt Lake City, UT.

Jo Ann was a copious photographer at family events and on vacations, and some of her greatest pleasures in her later years were from poring though her photo albums to reminisce about her travels, family, friends, and library colleagues.

Calling hours at the Carmen F. Spezzi Funeral Home 15 Cherry Lane, Parlin will be Monday, January 12 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.

Funeral services will begin on Tuesday at 9:45am at the funeral home with a 10:30am Mass of Christian burial at St. Mary Star of the Sea RC Church in South Amboy. An entombment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in South Amboy.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jo Ann's name may be made to St. Mary Star of the Sea RC Church in South Amboy.

Complete funeral details, directions, and letters of condolence to the family may be found by visiting www.spezzifuneralhome.com