CANASTOTA >> Joseph John Testa, 96, of Canastota, passed away peacefully from bladder cancer on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, at the Oneida Healthcare Extended Care Facility where he had been a resident since August 2016.He was born on Feb. 29, 1920, in Auburn, a leap year baby who was actually 24 years old, the son of John and Mary Lanasa Testa. He was a
WWII veteran who served as a private in the 134th Medical Company D, 2nd Battalion and he received five battle stars from 1940 to 1945. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Silver Star and one Arrowhead, the WWII Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal and the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII.On June 28, 1947, he was married to Josephine Daddario at St. Cecilia's Church, in Solvay. A blessed union of 69 years until Josie's passing on Nov. 1, 2016.Joe, along with his loving wife, Josie, owned and operated Syracuse Wholesale Toy Co., from 1950 to 1985. He lived in Lakeland and was a trustee of Our Lady of Peace Church until retiring to 4th Lake, in Old Forge, N.Y. in 1985. He was a member of the E. Bart Hanifin Council 473 Knights of Columbus in Oneida and their 4th Degree. In 1999, he moved to Canastota where he was a member of St. Agatha's Church.He was most loved by his family and will be greatly missed.Surviving are his three daughters, Rosemary Scalessa (Tom Jowers) of Atlanta, Ga., Patricia Land (John Morrow) of Timmonsville, S.C. and Bobbie (Patrick J.) Testa Powers of Canastota; brother Frank of Baldwinsville; three grandchildren, Patrick R. Powers, Riva (Matthew Ambler) Powers, Joanna (Joe) McCumber; a great-grandchild, Leah McCumber; several nieces and nephews.Joe's family wishes to express their sincere thanks for the excellent care and attention he was given by the entire staff of the Oneida Healthcare Extended Care Facility and Dr. Wael F. Muakkassa, M.D. and his staff.A memorial service will be held at St. Agatha's Church, Canastota, at a future date. Interment with Military Honors will take place in Assumption Cemetery, Syracuse. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made in Joe's memory to St. Agatha's Church, 319 N. Peterboro St., Canastota, N.Y. 13032. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc. 342 Main St., Oneida.You may view obituary and send a message of condolence online at:
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