Pasquale S. "Coach Pat" Testa's Obituary
Pasquale S. “Coach Pat” Testa, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on August 19, 2020 at Elderwood Nursing Home, where he was affectionately known as the “Mayor of Elderwood”. He was born to the late Frank and Madeline (Mancini) Testa and graduated from Central High School in 1946. Pat served in the U.S. Air Force for four years and later graduated from S.U. in 1957. Between 1958 – 1982 he coached football at Nottingham, Eastwood High, Central Tech, and at Jamesville- DeWitt, where he also helped begin the lacrosse program. Among his accomplishments, Pat also was a founding member and past president of the CNY chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. He retired from Jamesville- DeWitt School District as a teacher in Physical Education and Science. Upon his retirement, he coached at CNS High School. Pat was a parishioner of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and a member of the DeWitt Rotary since 1981. He also enjoyed S.U. Football, golf, and traveling with his loving wife, Peggy.
Besides his parents, Pat is predeceased by his wife, Margaret “Peggy” Testa and his brother, Michael Testa.
He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen (Paul) Zory; two granddaughters, Jennifer (Gary) Klemenz and Erin (Paul) Scire; three great-grandchildren, Curtis, Alexander, and Liliana; a sister-in-law, Joan Riley; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Elderwood Nursing Home for their excellent care of “The Mayor”.
A funeral mass in celebration of Pat’s life will be held at 10 am on Monday, August 24, 2020 in Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Syracuse. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery. Family and friends may call on Sunday, August 23, 2020 from 2 – 5 pm at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Road (corner of Buckley Road) North Syracuse.
Contributions in Pat’s memory may be made to the Father Champlin’s Guardian Angel Society, 259 East Onondaga Street, Syracuse, NY 13202.
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