Larry A. Testa

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Jul 12 1943
Mar 20 2024
80 Years
Cochranville, Pennsylvania

Larry A Testa, 80, of Cochranville, PA passed away on March 20, 2024 in West Chester, PA. He was the loving, devoted husband and best friend of Stephania (Losito) Testa. On March 16th they celebrated 50 years of marriage. Born in Meyersdale, PA, he was the son of the late Andrew S and Esther (Swearman) Testa. 

Larry graduated from Salesianum High School and worked at General Motors for 10 years. Then he started his lifelong passion as a general contractor. He loved building, excavating and plowing snow. If any family or friends ever need help all they had to do was call Larry and he was there. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed many turkey and bear seasons with his boys and friends in Somerset County. He was a lifetime member of the Avondale Fire Company.

Besides his wife he is survived by his sons, Matt (Cheri) Testa of Reading, PA and Jacob (Carrie) Testa of Oxford, PA and his precious grandchildren, Bane and Sasha. Also niece Celeste Palmer and nephew Mark Czarnota. He was preceded in death by his daughter Megan Testa and his sister Bonnie Czarnota. 

As per Larry's request, there will be no funeral. Just remember all the good times you had with a great guy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Salvation Army Coatesville Corps or to the Brandywine Valley SPCA. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg, PA. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com

Condolences

Steph and family, I'm so sorry to hear of Larry's passing.  He was a bigger than life force to be reckoned with.  He always talked about you when he came in where I was working.  Just know he is safe in a better place.  Fondly Kathy Hutton

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So sorry to all of you. I will remember the Tuesday visit with uncle Mario and all the lunches with my dad. I will miss him so.

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While I can't put into writing all that I want to say about Larry, I'm going to have to condense my words.  I don't think Larry realized it, but he truly led his life (as I believe) God would want.  He made himself available to anybody who needed him.  My fondest memories are when he pulled into our driveway at Highview Drive after work to visit with Mom.  They spent many hours over coffee sharing the days events.  I'll bet he saved Mom and Dad thousands of dollars fixing yet another breakdown on that house!  

First and foremost he was a husband, a brother, a father, and a friend.  He was the best uncle I could have asked for! Holidays would have NEVER been the joy that I remember had Larry and his family not been there! 

I so wish that I would have been able to spend more time with him, but distance and work got in the way.

I'm sending a wish of peace and fond memories to all  of the Testa family.  

With my love, Celeste Palmer and Dexter Dale 

 

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“The old lion is dead!”.  I cannot think of any other quote befitting my Uncle Larry than the words uttered with the passing of Theodore Roosevelt.  I’m very happy I got a chance to see him this past December and just catch-up.  Cannot count the times he was there to help our family on Highview Drive, and the countless holiday meals with the Testa family always filled my mother (Bonnie) with joy!  He was a huge influence in my life and taught me more than any book or classroom ever could!  As a child / young adult, Larry always found jobs for me, taught me many skills that I carry with me to this day, and how it was OK to fail - you will get it right next time!  In these sad times I always remember a quote I learned in Latin class "non omnia pereunt in morte", and it means "not all is lost in death", something always remains! I like to think it is all the good things my Uncle taught me, help when you can, learn from others better than you, don't be scared it will be OK, care about your family and friend, take a minute to say "Hi", and the myriad of other things he passed to me! You will be missed Larry - Rest in Peace!  Thinking of the Testa family in this sad time - Sincerely, Mark Czarnota 

Picture is from August of 1972 - I was 5 and Uncle Larry was 29

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Sending our condolences to Larry’s family and friends  from the Meeks family.  

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He loved Jerry so very much.  

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 Steph and family

So sorry for your loss. Countless times, for decades, we asked Larry for advice on how to fix something, borrowed a tool, or sat around and chatted about  the happenings in the area. Gonna miss his "How we doing?" entrance. We were blessed to have him in our lives.

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Larry, I've known you for 23 years when I met and married your Son, Matt. You have shown me what a real Father is, cause I never had that in my own life. I saw how Family was #1 with you. I saw how much you loved your wife and children. I saw how you were such a hard worker. I saw all the help you given to others. I will miss you

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Dear Stephanie and family,

I was saddened to hear of Larry’s passing and will keep you and your entire family in my prayers.

May Larry rest in eternal peace.

God bless always.

Martha L. Potak & Joann R. Donaldson

 

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Dear Stephanie & Family,

So sorry for your loss. I will always remember that smile. 
Thinking of you, 

Patty Testa Thompson & Ted Thompson 

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