Contributions to the tribute of Joseph L. Testa

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In Memory of

Joseph L. Testa

1933 - 2011

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Obituary
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Kelise Carpenter posted a condolence

I know you dide.Im a friend of Capri.When I first found out you dide I was sad.I wish I was grandaughter it would be very sad for me.

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Carol Gagliola Hughes posted a condolence

Dearest Jo-ann, Andrea and Joey and families--So saddened to hear of cousin Joe's passing. As incidenced by all the condolences, we see how he was everyone's favorite person. My fondest memory of cousin Joe was when I was a college student. I asked him for some career advice and he advised me to follow my heart and live my passion. He was a perfect example of that. Then He told me, "Listen, kid, no matter what you do you know I'll always be proud of you and love you,cuz." He played the drums with his band at my wedding--it will always be a treasured memory. He was a beautiful man and will be greatly missed by all of us who loved him so. I'm sured Jesus welcomed him with a big hug and said "Well done,my son." My love and prayers to you all. Cousin Carol Gags

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Donna French Johnson posted a condolence

You always know when a teacher really loves you. Well Mr Testa loved all of his students. Style,sofistication,dedicationto his craft and his friends and students. Although we fell out of touch long ago I have never forgotten you. God Bless You JT. From "The Leader of the Band" The leader of the band is tired And his eyes are growing old But his blood runs through my instrument And his song is in my soul My life has been a poor attempt To imitate the man I'm just a living legacy To the leader of the band Love, Donna French

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Lou Testa posted a condolence

Lou and Gianna Testa February 7, 2011 Our deepest sympathy to JoAnn,Andrea,Joe Jr. and all the Testa Family. Cousin Joe will always be an idol to my brother Anthony and I.We always wished we could play drums like Cousin Joe. There was only one Joe Testa, Rest in Peace.

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Paul Gregory posted a condolence

I was one of Mr. T's students as well back in the '70's. I have so many fond memories of him. He gave me such an appreciation for music that still lives within me today. I will never forget the time when I went in to see him for the first time. I said I wanted to play the flute. He said, "I don't need a flute player but I need someone on the trumpet". I hesitated but agreed to play it. I've never regretted the decision. To this day I can clearly remember him saying, "Pick up that ax man and play"! My favorite times were playing for grammar schools to persuade kids to come to Trinity. We were rock stars on those days! And when we played in the HT auditorium the hair on the back of my neck would stand up when that curtain went up! We would open with "Take the A Train" and then go to "Begin the Beguine". JT was such a great man and was my favorite teacher at Trinity. He will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to his family. It's obvious by the comments that I am not the only one who realizes how great a person he was. Thank you for all the great memories JT! Keep on swinging!

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Robin Gagliola Stanio posted a condolence

To the Testa Family, So sad to hear of the great loss of a Beautiful man He would light up a room when He entered. The angels must be rejoicing to have him. The photos are so beautiful, what great looking cousins we have. You are all in our prayers and thoughts. There is nothing greater than family...Love cousin Robin

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Charlie Montefusco posted a condolence

Joey, Thanks for all of the good memories. Cousin Charlie

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Patti Montini posted a condolence

Cousin Joey. I have fond memories of all the fun times we had when we were younger, and then such a happy memory when you, along with all of the cousins were together again at my daughter's wedding. Cousin Patti and family

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Marylynn Miller posted a condolence

Even though I only got to see my Uncle Joe once a year, maybe twice if I were lucky, I will deeply feel the loss of his presence in my life. My Uncle Joe was my Godfather, so our connection stretches back fifty-four years. My happiest childhood memories are of family holidays and vacations spent with Uncle Joe and my cousins. Uncle Joe was one of those people who were as big as life. He had an interesting mix of character traits. He was a “cool-cat drummer” (to use his terminology), who rose from a modest upbringing to play with some of the greatest bands around. He engaged us with his hysterical stories in which he would weave in his own version of Italian words (I never knew if they were actual words). It didn’t matter if the words were real or not, it was his delivery that was key, and he'd have everyone rolling in laughter. He made my Dad (his brother) laugh until he cried…and that was some feat to get that kind of reaction from my Dad. He was a true entertainer. However, he had another side that was equally pleasing. He was a caring and solid family man who listened and did not judge. He would just quietly observe, not interfere or comment, unless asked. There were countless times that I would call him, and even through his illness and exhaustion, he would listen and advise. Uncle Joe struggled for so long to maintain his health, but I never heard him complain. He would just say, “What can I do, Mare, I take it one day at a time”. As far as I’m concerned, Uncle Joe was a wonderful man, and I was very blessed to have him as my Uncle! I send my deepest sympathies to Joanne, Andrea and Joey, and all the other extended family members. I pray that my Uncle is at peace and watching over us. To use my Uncle’s favorite saying…”Straight ahead Uncle Joe, concrete all the way!” Til’ we meet again, Marylynn

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Joan and Jack Lanzieri posted a condolence

My cousin Joe, I loved you since I was a little girl and love you now more than ever. Love you Joanie and Jackie

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Marianne Rose posted a condolence

As a freshman in Trinity I sat in the band room on the first day and was scared out of my wits by Mr. T. I ran home and asked to get switched out immedately. Sister Joan Fry talked me out of it and from that point on Joe Testa and music became a great love in my life. I hung around Mr. Testa's office every free moment and loved my years in the band. He use to call me his "number one girl" and made me feel like a million bucks. At fourteen years old that is invaluable. In 4 short years I learned and loved my instrument and met a great deal of talented musicians. I know that all former Trinity Band and Jazz Band members all share that same special feeling. Mr. Testa we thank you for some of the best memories of our lives. I am also very happy to see Andrea and Joe Junior grow up and have beautiful families of their own. Viewing your photo album shows that you lived a wonderful life and found a great and well deserved love with the former Miss DeVenuti. My sincere condolences to you all, I can see that he will be greatly missed.

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Pete DeMeo posted a condolence

I was one of Mr. Testa's music students at Holy Trinity in the late '70s. He was always an inspiration to me (a fellow drummer, still performing), and was incredibly helpful, positive and kind to all of the student musicians. Somewhere up in heaven he's showing the band how to really swing ! God bless you, Mr T !

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John DeSpuches posted a condolence

I have been wanting to tell you for many years how much I enjoyed you as my teacher in Holy Trinity from 1976 to 1980. All of my memories from school have you in them. Our trips with the jazz band were the best days. You were the coolest man I ever met. I have tried to locate you to tell you how much you effected my life. I will see you again my friend....

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Tony Testa posted a condolence

JoAnn, Andrea, Joe Jr. and family. Please accept our deepest sympathy on your loss. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Growing up Joe was an idol to me, as I aspired to "play drums like cousin Joey". In fact he got my brother Lou and I our first drum set, a Ludwig which we still share!

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dave asher posted a condolence

I was also a student of Mr T at Trinity. He was the source of some of my favorite quotes. i used to tell my son that he sounded like he was "falling down a flight of stairs" when he screwed up a drum part. ( Mr T occasionally used that one on me) Best wishes to his family Dave Asher Oyster Bay, NY

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Don and Janice Moore posted a condolence

JT was so nice to me when I visited New York 11 years ago. I know he will be missed. We will remember the family in our prayers.

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Rich DeVenuti posted a condolence

I will remember you always. You were like a dad to me. You helped me grow up to be the man I am today. Which is a great husband,Brother and friend to so many. I will miss you such my friend. I love you JT. Richfest 2011 is for you my buddy forever.

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Strat Guiliotis posted a condolence

Joe - such sad news. I am so sorry to read this, and extend my condolences to your immediate and extended family.

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Joe Giacalone posted a condolence

Mr. T, A great and talented man, you will be sorely missed by all who knew you. Rest in peace and Godspeed.

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John Geerlings posted a condolence

Mr. Testa was a larger-than-life figure at Holy Trinity, and taught so many how to love music as much as he did. Hearing of his passing makes me sad. Thinking back on all of the great memories I have of him will always keep me happy.

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Capri posted a condolence

Papa I love you because you are always so nice to me. I always loved you and I will always hold you in my heart. I will always remember you sitting by the TV in your favorite blue chair and that you always made my favorite dinner, spaghetti and meatballs. Have a good life in heaven. Love, Capri

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Gianna and Sarah posted a condolence

our grandfather was the best to us we had so many memories. We were always excited to and see him! Espically when he took us to the beach. We all loved him so much, he was a great part of our lives. Grandpa, you will always be in our hearts and we will always miss you! We love you forever!

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Katharine Giacalone posted a condolence

I'll always remember JT loading and unloading his drums every weekend for his Shea Stadium gigs! I'll miss him - love kathy

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Oyster Bay Funeral Home posted a condolence

We would like to express our sincere condolences to your family. It has been our privilege to assist you during this very difficult time. If there is anything further we can do, we are here for you. Lou, Sara & Staff Oyster Bay Funeral Home

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Marie mcentee posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Thank you Mr T . I met the love of my life in your stage band. You called me your lady... my husband Jeff Robinson you called him “Oscar” . You told us to respect each other., it was a beautiful safe place to be in high school. It changed our lives and thinking. Thank you mr Testa.. your music program was a safe haven for so many.. thank you.. 32 years later with music and love in our hearts!! ❤️

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Christopher Hunt posted a condolence

Monday, October 15, 2018

Mr. T I Just want to thank you and your family for looking out for me. You made Holy Trinity for me.

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Fred Hetzel posted a condolence

Monday, July 2, 2018

Dear Testa Family, A random thought crossed my mind today that prompted an online search, which led me here. Though this condolence is terribly late, I still felt the need to share it with you all. I had JT as a band teacher from 1977-81. I really liked him...he moved me up to Band II when I was a freshman, and always gave me a chance to achieve musically. On a more personal note, he had tried to help me when I was getting into trouble at school. He tried as best he could to steer me to the right path; it is only the wisdom that time and experience has given me that I now understand and appreciate his outreach. RIP Mr. Testa...no one approached your coolness at HTHS.

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