Richard Hugo (Dick) Testa was called Home by the Lord on January 6. He was 82 years old. He was predeceased by his mother Mary (Paluzzi), father Hugo, and stepmother Hattie (Rhodes). He is survived by his wife Nancy (Deck), son Derrick (Alex Kilpatrick), daughter Jennifer Cottini (Luca), grandchildren Stefano, Caterina, and Teresa, as well as his brother Jim Testa (Sue) and sister Susan Zappia (Fred) and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Dick was a proud graduate of Union-Endicott High School, Class of 1961. After graduating from Syracuse University in 1965, he served two years in the United States Army before returning to Endicott, where he spent the rest of his life.

A lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Dick was a man of deep faith and an altar server both in childhood and in his later years. His secondary religion was Notre Dame football, and he took great joy in both of his children graduating from Notre Dame and finding spouses there.

Dick was a man of many occupations, most notably spending years at Zappia Athletic Products, writing local sports for The Valley News, and co-owning The Sports Page for over 30 years. But the work to which he was most dedicated was not for pay. Dick was a pillar of the Endicott community whose commitment to service was remarkable. In addition to his involvement with Endicott Sertoma, Endicott Youth Baseball, the West Endicott Fire Department, Endicott Proud, and many other organizations, he dedicated over 25 years to the U-E Board of Education. He was a charter member of the Union-Endicott Education Foundation and volunteered thousands of hours as a special reader in U-E elementary schools.

Sports and coaching were also a major part of Dick's life. While his induction to the U-E Athletic Hall of Fame was largely for off-the-field contributions, he was an accomplished high school cross country runner, winning the inaugural Conwicke-Stock Cross Country Meet (and making a point of congratulating the new winners each year). His 37 years with Endicott Youth Baseball started as the coach of Kelly's, which he turned into a Little League dynasty with multiple championships; his dedication to EYB was memorialized when Testa Field was named in his honor. He was an assistant coach for OLGC's varsity basketball team when they won the Broome County CYO Championship in 1973. His 14-year stint as coach of American Legion Post 82's baseball team culminated in a State Championship in 1983. He also coached or assistant coached his children in baseball and basketball.

Dick will be remembered for his witty sense of humor, positive spirit, unwavering Tiger Pride, and green wardrobe. His impact on his community is far-reaching and lasting. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all those whose lives he touched.

Calling hours will be Friday, January 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Good Counsel at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 10. All are welcome and encouraged to wear green.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Union-Endicott Education Foundation (checks mailable to UEEF, U-E District Office, 1100 East Main Street, Endicott, New York 13760).