Theresa W. Testo
Theresa W. Testo
d. November 8, 2022
North Greenbush, New York
North Greenbush- Theresa W. Testo, 81, a resident of the Van Rensselaer Manor, went home to her heavenly father on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 with her children at her side, after an extended illness. Born in Hoosick Falls, NY, Theresa was the daughter of the late Anthony Waitekus and Margaret Winston Gathen. Theresa grew up in South Troy and resided there most of her life.
She was a 1959 graduate of Catholic High and remained active in planning reunions with fellow alumni. She enjoyed many monthly dinners with her Class of 59 Dine friends group before her illness.
Theresa was an avid skier in her young adult years. She often spoke of the enjoyment she shared with her good friends Rosemary and Frankie, traveling the northeast to ski. She also went to ski school to be an instructor, but fell and broke her leg before her career took off.
She loved playing cards, particularly Canasta and Nickels, and enjoyed her time spent playing with her grandchildren and her friends. She loved reading and solving the NY Times Daily Crossword Puzzle while sipping coffee and smoking a cigarette.
Theresa started her work career at Union National Bank on Fourth Street in Troy. Shortly after, in 1966, she began her career at RPI. Her first position was in the Research Division (later known as the Office of Contracts and Grants) under Hubert C. Mattice. She served as Hubie’s executive secretary and also oversaw an office staff in the printing of research proposals for professors seeking government grants and contracts. After leaving for a short time to raise her beloved newborn twins, she returned to work at RPI until her retirement in 2001. Theresa was one of the founding members of the RPI Credit Union and held several offices in that organization. This was her most proud accomplishment.
Theresa was a lifelong communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Troy and was very active in the church. In the early 1980s she established the first Rosary Rally held at the church, was active in the Blue Army Cadets Rosary Group, and sang in the church choir. Theresa also participated in Perpetual Adoration at St. Paul’s Church in Troy. She was immensely devout in her faith.
Nothing was more important to Theresa than her children and she was happiest when she was with them. She selflessly devoted all of her time to attending their school and sporting events. It was not uncommon to find her working in the concession stand, judging the school spelling bee, chaperoning a field trip, or throwing batting practice in the parking lot after school. She even served as president of Spring Little League for many years while Marty played ball. Her famous yellow station wagon was an icon during their high school years, transporting them and their friends wherever they needed to go.
Survivors include her devoted twins, Serafina (Rich) Deo of Averill Park and Martin (Sarah) Testo of Keene, NH., her sister Beverly Pasinella of Troy, her brother Joseph Waitekus of Troy, her half-sister Pamela Dahlem of NC, and her grandchildren, Ryan and Emma Deo, and Madison and Avery Testo. Theresa is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and by her very best friend, Kay Gagliardi.
Theresa’s family wishes to extend extreme gratitude to the staff on A1 at the Van Rensselaer Manor, and to the staff and chaplain from the Community Hospice for the care given to Theresa during her illness. Their compassion was unmatched and will never be forgotten.
Relatives and friends are invited to and may call the Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel, 2691 NY 43 at Glass Lake, Averill Park from 1-4 pm on Sunday, November 13, 2022.
If desired, donations in memory of Theresa W. Testo may be made to the Community Hospice Gift Processing Center, 310 So. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208.
Visit www.perrykomdat.com for directions and a private guestbook.
Service Information:
Visitation
Sunday
November 13, 2022
1:00PM-4:00PM
Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel
Averill Park, NY
She was a 1959 graduate of Catholic High and remained active in planning reunions with fellow alumni. She enjoyed many monthly dinners with her Class of 59 Dine friends group before her illness.
Theresa was an avid skier in her young adult years. She often spoke of the enjoyment she shared with her good friends Rosemary and Frankie, traveling the northeast to ski. She also went to ski school to be an instructor, but fell and broke her leg before her career took off.
She loved playing cards, particularly Canasta and Nickels, and enjoyed her time spent playing with her grandchildren and her friends. She loved reading and solving the NY Times Daily Crossword Puzzle while sipping coffee and smoking a cigarette.
Theresa started her work career at Union National Bank on Fourth Street in Troy. Shortly after, in 1966, she began her career at RPI. Her first position was in the Research Division (later known as the Office of Contracts and Grants) under Hubert C. Mattice. She served as Hubie’s executive secretary and also oversaw an office staff in the printing of research proposals for professors seeking government grants and contracts. After leaving for a short time to raise her beloved newborn twins, she returned to work at RPI until her retirement in 2001. Theresa was one of the founding members of the RPI Credit Union and held several offices in that organization. This was her most proud accomplishment.
Theresa was a lifelong communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Troy and was very active in the church. In the early 1980s she established the first Rosary Rally held at the church, was active in the Blue Army Cadets Rosary Group, and sang in the church choir. Theresa also participated in Perpetual Adoration at St. Paul’s Church in Troy. She was immensely devout in her faith.
Nothing was more important to Theresa than her children and she was happiest when she was with them. She selflessly devoted all of her time to attending their school and sporting events. It was not uncommon to find her working in the concession stand, judging the school spelling bee, chaperoning a field trip, or throwing batting practice in the parking lot after school. She even served as president of Spring Little League for many years while Marty played ball. Her famous yellow station wagon was an icon during their high school years, transporting them and their friends wherever they needed to go.
Survivors include her devoted twins, Serafina (Rich) Deo of Averill Park and Martin (Sarah) Testo of Keene, NH., her sister Beverly Pasinella of Troy, her brother Joseph Waitekus of Troy, her half-sister Pamela Dahlem of NC, and her grandchildren, Ryan and Emma Deo, and Madison and Avery Testo. Theresa is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and by her very best friend, Kay Gagliardi.
Theresa’s family wishes to extend extreme gratitude to the staff on A1 at the Van Rensselaer Manor, and to the staff and chaplain from the Community Hospice for the care given to Theresa during her illness. Their compassion was unmatched and will never be forgotten.
Relatives and friends are invited to and may call the Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel, 2691 NY 43 at Glass Lake, Averill Park from 1-4 pm on Sunday, November 13, 2022.
If desired, donations in memory of Theresa W. Testo may be made to the Community Hospice Gift Processing Center, 310 So. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208.
Visit www.perrykomdat.com for directions and a private guestbook.
Service Information:
Visitation
Sunday
November 13, 2022
1:00PM-4:00PM
Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel
Averill Park, NY
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Theresa W. Testo, please visit our flower store.
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