Charles "Charlie" Joseph Testa

Testa, Charles Joseph "Charlie"

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Charles Joseph Testa, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and esteemed member of the Jackson, Michigan community. Charlie was 93 years old, and died after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication and devotion that will forever be remembered.

Charles was born on March 26, 1930, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Joseph and Coletta Testa. Charlie spent most of his life in Jackson, Michigan, after moving there with his family in 1942. He attended Jackson Public Schools and was a star athlete throughout his academic career including basketball, baseball, and track. He continued to play baseball and basketball well into his 20s on Jackson city teams. He attended Michigan State University (MSU) to earn his bachelor's degree in education, and after serving two years in the military, he returned to MSU to earn a master's degree in administration.

His career began as a teacher, coach, and counselor in the East Jackson public school system. He continued in the Jackson public school system as an assistant principal at Northeast, Parkside, and Hunt Junior high schools. When he was at Hunt, he was promoted to principal, and then moved to Parkside as the school systems consolidated. Charlie retired in 1987 when he was associate principal at Parkside. Many of his former students remember him fondly as a coach, role model, mentor, and, to some, driver's ed teacher.

Charlie was known for his athletic accomplishments in the state; he and his team at Jackson High School won the 1948 basketball state championship. He was well remembered for stealing the ball at that game, passing it to Vern Allen, who made the winning shot, giving them a victory by one point. Even as Charlie focused on his career in education, he also spent 25 years officiating basketball and football games in the Jackson area and beyond. In 1978, he officiated a state championship final game at the Silverdome Stadium in Pontiac, Michigan.

At the heart of Charlie's world was his loving wife of 48 years, Norma Testa. Together, they joined their two families and shared a fulfilling life raising their children together. During their leisure time, Charlie and Norma enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. They also spent each winter for 25 years with the snowbirds in Venice, Florida. Charlie was also an avid golfer throughout his life and was proud of his two holes-in-one. He was a golf pro at JCC and taught golf there. He avidly studied and invested in the stock market and was an accomplished and very skilled investor.
Charlie loved and cherished his life-long friends, Herb Furnas, Bernard Levy, Jim Layher, and Dick Surbrook.

Charlie's death leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him. He touched the lives of countless individuals, leaving behind cherished memories and an enduring impact on the Jackson community.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Norma Testa, his children Steven Testa, David (Heather) Testa, John (Pablo) Testa, Thomas (Shawn) Testa, Robert (Susan) Beech, Janet (Mike) Riehle; his grandchildren Katie Testa, Daniel Testa, Gina (Mickey) Jarvi, Christina Testa, Gabriella Testa, Dominic Testa, Jamie (Finn) Riehle, Jennifer (Jeff) Pierce, Brian Beech, and Mike Beech; and eight great-grandchildren, soon to be nine.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church with Father Robert Pienta officiating.

The family will receive friends at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 26 from 10:30 to 11:00 AM.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Jackson YMCA Rock Steady Boxing Parkinson's Group in memory of Charlie.

We extend our deepest condolences to all those who mourn the loss of this remarkable man. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his memory live on in the hearts of those he touched.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 133 Years