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Louis Edward Testa, Jr., of Madison, passed away on June 26 after a period of declining health and a brief hospitalization. He was able to come home to be with his entire family before passing peacefully.

He was born on July 17, 1928, in New Haven, the son of Louis Edward Testa, Sr., and Anna Starin Testa. Louis was educated in the New Haven Public School System and served in the US Navy during World War II. He was employed by Armstrong Rubber Company for 25 years until they closed. He then worked for Sargent Manufacturing Company until his retirement. He made many longterm friends at his jobs. Having a natural affinity for woodworking, he designed and built much of the furniture in his home and sold his creations throughout the state.

The family will remember him as genuine, with a strong work ethic, a creative mind, a keen wit, and an overwhelming desire to keep them and any guests well fed. His home and his family meant everything to him. He was our biggest cheerleader, filled with a pride that always made us the best and brightest in his eyes.

He enjoyed sharing happy memories of growing up in The Hill section of New Haven and was in the process of writing a book about it. He was the ultimate football fan and also followed the UConn women’s basketball team. He especially enjoyed dancing cheek to cheek with his wife of 69 years, antiquing, travel, looking things up on his computer, playing cards, Western and war films, cooking, the holidays with family, sitting on his deck listening to the birds, looking out at his gardens, and obsessing about his lawn and “the art of the deal.”

Louis was a parish member of St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Clinton.

He is survived by his wife Dolores; children Debi Testa of Madison, Dolores Testa of Portland, Maine, and Louis Testa III and his wife Rose of Cherry Hill, New Jersey; sister Margaret Caruso and her husband Michael of Killingworth; sister-in-law Jo Testa of North Haven; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Testa and his daughter-in-law Kelly Testa.

In Lou’s memory, please have a glass of wine at 4:00 p.m. and toast to a life well-lived.

Dad, you will always be with us in the beautiful home that you made and the unwavering love that you gave. Alla famiglia.

Due to current COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions, there will be a private graveside service with military honors for immediate family only.