David John Paul Testen

It is with intense sadness that we announce the passing of David John Paul Testen, affectionately known as Dave, Davey and D.T. to his family and too numerous to count friends. Dave entered the Lightning Lane to Heaven on Friday, January 26, 2024 at Robert Packer Hospital with the immeasurable love of his family and under the incredible care of the 5 Main staff. Dave was born on September 9,1970 also at Robert Packer Hospital, with a rare chromosome anomaly that gave him, according to medical experts, minimal chance to thrive. But God had other plans for Dave, giving him to a family that never saw his differences and to a community that would create a reciprocal relationship that allowed him to touch their hearts as much as, if not more than, they could touch his. Dave lived his entire life in the Rosh Road/Pine Tree Road neighborhood. While neighbors moved on and moved in, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the love and acceptance Dave received from so many of them as he walked from house to house, stopping to say hi, why and do it. Everyone knew Dave and were rarely surprised when he simply opened the door and walked into their home. While he was often referred to as the “Mayor of the Valley”, he certainly made everyone smile in his neighborhood. Dave attended Athens Area Schools and, through the efforts of his mother and some parents of other students with severe learning differences, was moved from isolated classrooms into the mainstream setting. While in grade school, Dave learned if you say hi to everyone you make eye-contact with, most of those people will be your friend. In his case, those people did not have much of a choice. Dave graduated from Athens Area High School in June of 1992 as one of the first students from a Life Skills classroom to receive his diploma during the graduation ceremony on the football field. Dave was an Honorary member of the Athens Township Volunteer Fire Company and thoroughly enjoyed the numerous parades, dinners, and events he shared with his “firetruck” buddies and appreciated the friendship and love they gave him. Additionally, Dave enjoyed attending Penn York Opportunities for many years, where he made many more friends as part of their community outreach program and was touched by their caring staff. Dave also started participating in Special Olympics at a young age and was thrilled to meet students and staff from across Bradford County each year. Obviously, Dave’s greatest skill was meeting new people and his greatest gift was engaging everyone with his friendly personality and bright affect, which he shared locally and on his numerous trips across the country and abroad. Dave seemingly had a sixth sense as to where any type of construction, digging or tree trimming was taking place in the Valley. He would tell his parents where he needed to go, bring a chair and assume the role of supervisor at every site. In no time, Dave would start a conversation, befriend the workers and become part of the crew. We are forever indebted to all of the digger operators, construction workers and tree trimmers who accepted Dave and even let him participate, when it was safe to do so. Throughout his life, Dave’s parents took him on numerous trips across the country on planes, trains and boats as Dave always found a way to get into the cockpit, engine and helm to blow a horn or take charge of the vehicle. His favorite destination was Disney World, which Dave called Mickey’s House. He saved his own money for each trip and vacationed at all of the parks on more than a dozen occasions. Dave never experienced a ride he didn’t love. Dave was predeceased by members of the Testen, Resnick and Sampson families. He is survived by his parents Joan and John Testen; brothers John (Roxanne) Testen, Michael (Lynda) Testen; his favorite sister Susan (Daniel) Kelleher; nieces and nephews Amber Testen, Ashley (Joe) Sherman, Allison (Brian) Cebulko, DJ (Marisa) Kelleher, Michael (Monica) Testen, Taylor Testen, Kaitlyn Testen, Lyndsey Testen; and eleven grand-nieces and nephews. Dave’s family would like to especially thank the nurses, care partners and doctors of Robert Packer Hospital’s 5 Main Unit who loved and cared for Dave like he was their child. The staff provided extraordinary support to Dave’s family during the saddest and worst experience of their lives. They’re the best. A time of visitation for friends and family will be held from 3:00PM until 6:00PM on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at the Alteri-Bowen Funeral Home, 314 Desmond St, Sayre PA 18840. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 9:30AM on Friday, February 2, 2024, at the Church of the Epiphany, 304 South Elmer Avenue, Sayre, PA 18840. Interment will follow Mass at the Tioga Point Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Athens Township Volunteer Fire Company, 211 Herrick Avenue, Sayre, PA 18840. Memories and condolences may be expressed by visiting bowenfuneralhomes.com. One of the few things that upset Dave was seeing someone who was sad or crying. He would ask them to look at him and say his signature line, “Be Happy”. Please consider your favorite Dave story and share it on the website above or with the family during visiting hours. No one expressed or enjoyed a smiling face more than Dave.

David John Paul Testen

September 9, 1970 - January 26, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

David John Paul Testen

September 9, 1970 - January 26, 2024

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information