Obituary of Theodore Testa

Theodore "Teddy" Testa, 84, passed away January 28, 2026. He was born on April 9, 1941 in Cortland, New York, where he remained a lifelong resident. Ted graduated from Cortland High School in 1959 and briefly attended SUNY Cortland. He had a strong desire to become a business owner and began that journey by attending cosmetology school in Syracuse. It was there that Ted met the love of his life, Judith, to whom he would marry and together raise their two daughters in Cortland. Ted and Judy became the proud owners of "The Plaza" salon for many years. Ted found great joy each day in his work and interactions with all of his beloved customers and employees who were always like family to him. A man of deep faith, Ted was a devoted member of St. Margaret's Church. He served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. Ted looked forward to seeing his church family each week and taking part in the mass as he loved his parish community greatly. Ted was also deeply committed to public service. He served on the Town Board of Cortlandville for 34 years as Councilman and Deputy Supervisor. Ted worked passionately on helping to develop a new town park, later named Ted Testa Park in his honor. He also worked tirelessly to see through the development of Gutchess Park to benefit the residents of Cortlandville, especially the youth in the area. Ted is survived by his daughters Shelly LeClair (Eric), Mary Lynn Fabrizio (Nick); his beloved grandchildren Brittany Fabrizio, Andrew LeClair, Alexis LeClair, and Daniel Fabrizio; as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Ernest and Elvira Testa; his beloved wife Judith Testa; and his siblings Peter, Ersilla, and Angela. Calling hours will be Thursday February 5, 2026 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at Wright-Beard Funeral Home Inc.., 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland, NY 13045. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Theodore's life will be Friday February 6, at 10:30 am at St. Margaret's Church, 14 Copeland Ave., Homer, NY. Burial will follow at the St. Mary's Cemetery, Cortland, New York, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife, Judith. Contributions may be made in Theodore's memory to St. Margaret's Church Online condolences may be left at www.wrightbeard.com