NORTH HORNELL-William J. “Bill” Testani, 87, of Seneca Road, passed away peacefully, in the presence of his loving family, late Saturday morning at Elderwood at Hornell.
Born in Hornell on Nov. 13, 1928, he was a son of the late Joseph and Mary (Morey) Testani. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his two beloved daughters, Jovena Testani in 1977 and Andrea “Spook” Gordon in 2014; also his cherished granddaughter, Elianna Testani in 2001.
A lifelong resident of Hornell and North Hornell, Bill was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1946. While still in high school, at the age of 16, he began his 47 year career with New York Telephone Company and retired 25 years ago from NYNEX as a Central Office Technician.
He was a former member of the Hornell Council No. 243, Knights of Columbus, the Carducci Lodge, Sons of Italy in Hornell and the Addison Rod and Gun Club.
Throughout the years, Bill enjoyed various hobbies that he excelled in including hunting, fishing and skeet shooting. In his younger years he was a recreational pilot and after his retirement he began to play golf. Bill also loved animals and enjoyed spending time planting and caring for a huge vegetable garden that he planted at his home every year; he was well known for his garlic. Also during his younger years, he ran a television and radio repair shop out of his home and made his own homemade wine and champagne.
But above and beyond all of these hobbies and interests, he will be remembered for being a devoted, loving and caring husband, father and grandfather and great grandfather.
His loving family includes his wife of 64 years, the former Ruth Geleta, who he married in the chapel of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell on Aug. 16, 1952; his children, Thomas Testani, Mary Theresa “Beebe” (Frank) Kilcoyne, Roseanne (Thomas) Wall all of Hornell, James (Samantha) Testani of Arkport, Matthew (Jodi) Testani of Hornell, Michael (Lina) Testani of Stewartsville, N.J., Marisa “Tooey” Testani (Dr. Richard Ferro) of N.C. and Angela (David) Remchuk of Hornell. He was the proud and loving grandfather to 18 grandchildren and great grandfather to three great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister, Mary Frances Phillips of Long Island and his brother, Raymond (Sandra) Testani of Belle Haven; as well as his nieces, nephews and cousins.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of William J. Testani.
To honor his wishes there will be no calling hours or funeral service. Interment will be at the convenience of his family at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
Friends are invited to a celebration of Bill’s life that will begin at 6 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 13, 2016) at the Hornell V.F.W. Post, 245 Canisteo St., Hornell.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, N.Y. 14843.
Online condolences or remembrances of Bill are welcomed at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home.
