John Paul "Sid" Testen

John Paul (Sid) Testen John Paul Testen, 87, of Sayre, PA passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Also referred to as Sid by his many friends and family, John married his high school sweetheart, Joan (Sampson) Testen on October 19th, 1957. The couple would have celebrated 68 years of married bliss this October. Born and raised in Wilkes Barre, PA, John was the son of the late John and Louise (Resnick) Testen, Jr. John graduated from Coughlin High School in Wilkes Barre, PA and went on to obtain his Draftsman Training Program: Drafting and Related Technology Certification from The Pennsylvania State University. John then began his career working in Washington D.C. at the Naval Gunnery. From there, John was hired by IBM as a Mechanical Engineer in Poughkeepsie, New York before transferring to IBM Owego, where he would remain until his retirement after 31 years. More recently, he enjoyed telling people he was retired for more years than he worked. John’s knowledge, talent, and skills were instrumental in the development of electrical systems utilized in the Light Airborne Multi Purpose Systems (LAMPS) equipped helicopters, NASA space shuttles, AWAC equipped planes and the B1 Bomber, of which he was especially proud, and designing circuitry systems which were the precursor to what are now known as microchips and GPS. An avid and accomplished craftsman, John enjoyed many years perfecting his hobby of woodworking in the “barn” he designed and essentially built by himself. He would proudly explain how he acquired the many machines and tools he utilized as his guests marveled at the complex and industrial-level system he had devised and the meticulous projects he produced. John was attentive to all details from start to finish of any project he worked on. John was also very active with the Boy Scouts of America, earning the rank of Eagle Scout and spending countless hours hunting, exploring, and guiding others to love the outdoors. Later in life, he was a guest Engineering and Electrical speaker for the Boy Scouts of America. Helping others in his community was very important to John. He volunteered his time building a garage, tables, chairs, candle holders, and benches for The Epiphany Church, helping the elderly with their tax forms and as an active member with The Bridge. John is a past member of the VFW and The Catholic War Veterans Ball-Skerpon Post 1738 in Sayre. John was a veteran of the Army Reserves and felt honored to march with the Valley Color Guard at local parades and services. John was a proud patriarch of his family, who loved and respected his many hobbies, often finding him deep in a book, project, bowl of ice cream, or planning a vacation. His passion for learning was engrained in who he was, often becoming the expert on anything he set his mind to. His family will forever miss his calm presence, witty sense of humor, trusted guidance, and immeasurable and unwavering love for his family. John is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Joan; his brother Robert (Sylvia) Testen of Ohio; his two sons John (Roxanne) and Michael (Lynda), a daughter, Susan (Daniel) Kelleher; his grandchildren Ashley (Joe) Sherman, Amber Testen, Allison (Brian) Cebulko, DJ (Marisa) Kelleher, Michael (Monica) Testen, Taylor, Kaitlyn, and Lyndsey Testen; 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his beloved son and best friend, David Testen, and parents Louise and John Testen. A time of visitation for friends and family will be held from 6:00PM until 8:00PM on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Alteri-Bowen Funeral Home, 314 Desmond St, Sayre PA 18840. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00AM on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Church of the Epiphany, 304 South Elmer Avenue, Sayre, PA 18840. Interment will follow Mass at the Tioga Point Cemetery. John was a man of great faith who loved seeing children learn. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Epiphany School, 627 Stevenson St, Sayre, PA 18840. Memories and condolences may be expressed by visiting bowenfuneralhomes.com.

John Paul "Sid" Testen

April 28, 1937 - March 27, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

John Paul "Sid" Testen

April 28, 1937 - March 27, 2025

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information