Thomas J Testa

Thomas “Tango Tom” Testa has left this earthly realm to rest in the arms of God. He passed away, peacefully in his sleep, due to pancreatic cancer, on February 27th, 2021. He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing in Niceville, Florida.

Tom was born Thomas Joseph Testa to Joseph Testa and Margaret (Breslin) Testa on April 7, 1932, in Philadelphia, PA. He dedicated his life to the service of our country, first by serving United States Airforce from 1951-1955, and subsequently by his work in military acquisitions. He was stationed in Alaska, and then at Eglin Airforce Base in Florida. After his experience of the bitter cold in Alaska, he fell in love with Florida’s warm and sunny beaches. After living in southern New Jersey, he moved to Sarasota, Florida, with his wife Eileen and daughter Maureen, where he enjoyed the rest of his days.

Tom was an avid and skilled dancer. After teaching ballroom dancing, he fell in love with the tango. His passion for tango continued throughout the rest of his life, and he danced with local tango groups in Sarasota. Thus he was lovingly nicknamed “Tango Tom.”

His other passions included saxophone, politics, construction and art. He played the sax in high school with the school band. Later, he owned a hardware store with his brother and father, and planned and executed the building of his own home in Vincentown, New Jersey. He also achieved his dream of inventing a board game named “Campaign Politics.” The game provided much fun and laughter for family and friends who would gather together to play it. His beautiful hand-drawn illustrations are pictured on each card.

Tom had a great sense of humor, and a warm smile for everyone. His quick wit came naturally to him, even at the end of his days. He loved having a cocktail, a cigar, and joking with friends and relatives. His family was very important to him.

Tom is survived by his sister, Maryanne (Hank) Hazlet, his son, Joseph (Linda) Testa, his daughter Maureen Sweeny, and his grandchildren Jenna (Testa) Kilpatrick, Courtney (Testa) Nelson, and Seamus Sweeny. Unfortunately he was preceded in passing by his son James Testa, his brothers Joseph and Charlie (Betty) Testa, his first wife, Josephine (Ryan) Testa, and his second wife, Eileen (Leyden) Testa. He will be dearly missed.

A Graveside service for Tom will be held on Thursday, March 11th at 11:00 am at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Avenue, Sarasota FL, 34232.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to St. Thomas More Catholic Church would be appreciated (Catholic Faith Appeal (churchgiving.com)