Assembly Resolution No. 932
BY: M. of A. Lupardo
CELEBRATING the life and accomplishments of
Richard Hugo "Dick" Testa, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of the Endicott community and
Union-Endicott Central School District
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavors
have served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Richard Hugo "Dick" Testa of Endicott, New York, died on
January 6, 2026, at the age of 82; and
WHEREAS, Dick Testa distinguished himself through a lifetime of
service, leadership, and generosity, leaving an indelible mark on the
Union-Endicott Central School District and the greater Endicott
community; and
WHEREAS, A proud graduate of Union-Endicott High School, Class of
1961, Dick Testa went on to graduate from Syracuse University in 1965
before honorably serving two years in the United States Army; following
his military service, he returned to Endicott, where he spent the
remainder of his life devoted to family, faith, education, and community
service; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church,
Dick Testa was a man of deep faith who served as an altar server both in
his youth and later years, and whose life was guided by a strong moral
compass and devotion to others; and
WHEREAS, Dick Testa was a devoted husband, father, grandfather,
brother, and uncle; he was predeceased by his mother, Mary (Paluzzi)
Testa, his father, Hugo Testa, and his stepmother, Hattie (Rhodes)
Testa; he is survived by his loving wife, Nancy (Deck) Testa; his son,
Derrick Testa and partner Alex Kilpatrick; his daughter, Jennifer Testa
Cottini and husband Luca; and his cherished grandchildren, Stefano,
Caterina, and Teresa; as well as his brother, Jim Testa and wife Sue;
his sister, Susan Zappia and husband Fred; and numerous nieces, nephews,
and extended family members; and
WHEREAS, Professionally, Dick Testa worked in a variety of roles
throughout his life, including years at Zappia Athletic Products, as a
local sportswriter for The Valley News, and as co-owner of The Sports
Page for more than 30 years; however, it was his unpaid service to
others that most defined his life's work; and
WHEREAS, Dick Testa dedicated more than 25 years to the
Union-Endicott Board of Education, serving with integrity, wisdom, and
unwavering commitment to students; he was a charter member of the
Union-Endicott Education Foundation and volunteered thousands of hours
as a special reader in Union-Endicott elementary schools; and
WHEREAS, His extraordinary commitment to community service extended
to his involvement with Endicott Sertoma, Endicott Youth Baseball, the
West Endicott Fire Department, Endicott Proud, American Legion Post 82,
and numerous other civic and charitable organizations; and
WHEREAS, Sports and coaching were central to Dick Testa's life and
legacy; an accomplished high school cross country runner, he won the
inaugural Conwicke-Stock Cross Country Meet and remained a steadfast
supporter of the sport throughout his life; his 37 years with Endicott
Youth Baseball included coaching Kelly's to multiple championships, and
his dedication was memorialized with the naming of Testa Field in his
honor; and
WHEREAS, Dick Testa also served as an assistant coach for Our Lady
of Good Counsel's varsity basketball team during its Broome County CYO
Championship season in 1973, and as coach of the American Legion Post 82
baseball team, culminating in a New York State Championship in 1983; he
further coached and mentored countless young athletes, including his own
children, instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship;
and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his profound impact, Dick Testa received
numerous honors, including induction into the Union-Endicott Alumni
Having Made a Difference, the Union-Endicott Athletic Hall of Fame, the
PTA Founder's Day Award, multiple honors as Endicott Sertoma of the
Year, and recognition as Founder and Co-Chairperson of the Endicott
Proud Board Advisory Team; and
WHEREAS, Dick Testa will be fondly remembered for his quick wit,
positive spirit, unmistakable green wardrobe, unwavering Tiger Pride,
and enduring love for Notre Dame; his influence on generations of
students, athletes, and community members is far-reaching and lasting;
and
WHEREAS, Armed with a compassionate heart and a steadfast commitment
to service, Dick Testa leaves behind a legacy that will long endure the
passage of time and remain a source of inspiration and comfort to all
who knew him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dick Testa and to express its
deepest condolences to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Richard Hugo "Dick" Testa.
