Joe Testa-Secca

Ranch, Florida. Joe’s art has been an important force in the art world for decades. His

works are well represented in public and private collections in the United States and abroad.

Creating professionally for over 60 years, Joe’s work has explored a variety of subjects

and techniques. As a child, he enjoyed drawing and painting and his parents nurtured that

passion.

A hobby shifted to a potential career during his service in the Navy when he was given the job

of medical illustrator at the San Diego Naval Hospital. Upon his discharge from the Navy in

1954, he chose to continue professional studies earning his Masters of Fine Arts at the

University of Georgia (1956) and advanced post-graduate study at the University of Iowa.

When Joe returned to Tampa, he set up a studio at his home. His work was met with both

interest and enthusiasm earning several important private and public commissions. Over his

30 year tenure at the University of Tampa, Joe was awarded a Dana Professorship (one of

U.T.’s highest accolades), served as Chair of the Art Department and later the Division of Fine

Arts. Along the way, Joe enriched the lives of countless students he mentored. Upon his

retirement in 1995, he was acknowledged as Professor Emeritus.

In his retirement Joe continued to be an active and engaged artist, fulfilling numerous

commissions. His work continues to be actively sought by collectors and admirers. Most

recently his stained glass creations were added to the now popular Casa Santo Stefano

restaurant in Ybor City.

Joe was born August 18, 1928 to Fannie and Amedeo Testasecca. Joe is survived by his wife

of 62 years Rosalie Valenti Testa-Secca, daughter Maria Dietz, her husband Gary Dietz

(deceased), son Patrick Testa-Secca and his wife Ann, and granddaughter Sadie.

Pallbearers are Dr. Jack Maniscalco, Patrick Testa-Secca, Richard Ferlita, James Carmichael,

Jack King, and Ross Hodges. Honorary pallbearers are Gary Dietz, Dr. R. Maurice Bonilla,

Thomas Martino, Frank Vacanti Jr., J. Casey Clark, John Oliva, and Dick Clayton.

Special thanks to nurse Dawn Simonds, therapist Roger Noshioko, and caregivers Yesed

Rodriguez, Yanexey Rodriguez, Shterrian Bryant, and Shiteaka Fashaw.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023 from 11:00AM -2PM at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4207 E Lake Avenue Tampa, Fl with private entombment.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gardenofmemoriestampa.com for the Testa-Secca family.