Mrs. Florence D. (DiPerna) Testa

Mrs. Florence D. (DiPerna) Testa, age 79, of Utica, went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 6, 2012 in the comfort and dignity of her home. Born in Utica on October 27, 1932, Florence was the daughter of the late Philip F. and Theresa (Giglio) DiPerna. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On April 14, 1956 she married Henry Testa, Jr. with whom she shared 24 years prior to his passing on August 10, 1980; during their life together, they held a special closeness and devotion to each other. Their happiest and most joyous times were when they were in the presence of family. Florence was employed by Mohawk Valley Oil of Marcy in the Billing Department. Sometime later, in 1980, she accepted a job in the loan department at the UFCW District Local 1 Federal Credit Union in Utica, the position from which she retired. Florence was a woman of unique strength and independence in all her endeavors, and her kindness and caring were the expressions of her love. She was a loving mother, always supportive of her boys’ activities, and in later years she shared a special bond with her granddaughter, Paige, who lifted her grandmother’s spirits. Those who knew Florence were aware of her organizational and detailed planning skills. A woman ahead of her time, she embraced technology and was masterful in using her laptop computer. She had a refinement and good taste, and especially enjoyed dinner and a good movie accompanied by her family and friends. As a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, she considered her Catholic faith a cornerstone of her life. Florence is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Henry and Donna Testa of Ilion, and Philip F. Testa and his wife Trista Duffy-Testa with whom she resided and was blessed with a special closeness; her grandchildren, Molly Pullo, Mia McDermott, Kathryn Harding; Alexander Duffy, and Paige Testa; and her great-grandchildren, Roisin McDermott, and Grace Pullo. She also leaves her devoted sister Lorraine with whom she shared the true bond of sister hood and her husband Mike Yozzo of Baldwinsville; her brothers and sister-in-law, Hank, Sr. and Beverly DiPerna, and Phil DiPerna, all of Utica; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, goddaughters Paula Verrano, and Jeannine Johnson, and her dear friends including Toni Turi, in special remembrance of their Monday night dinners at Grimaldi’s. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Frank A. Testa; and her sister-in-law, Shirley A. DiPerna. The family is extremely thankful to Dr. Sidney Blatt for his years of care as Florence’s family physician. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday morning at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Florence D. (DiPerna) Testa

October 27, 1932 - August 6, 2012