Dominic John Testani of Doylestown passed from this world and onto everlasting life on Saturday, March 18, 2023. He drowned in a boating accident. He was 18.
Born in Doylestown, Dom was the devoted son of Michael and Susan, and beloved brother of Mateo, Luca and Anthony. He joins his precious sister, Gianna Maria, in the arms of Our Lord.
Dom was a standout athlete. Beyond the plethora of organized sports he played throughout childhood, he was a natural acrobat, surfer, skateboarder, tree climber, and skier. Dom’s constant engagement with physical challenge was a manifestation of his inner joy. He relished practicing and executing spectacular performances for his brothers and friends.
Dom treasured the people who comprised his world. He expressed admiration for others without inhibition. Innately, he injected humor and an element of surprise into any ordinary situation. Two days before his passing, in typical Dom fashion, he chased his best friend’s car which had been driving away. When Dom caught up to the car he yelled into the window “I love you!” This was not unusual. In fact, many who knew him well recall their final conversation with Dom ending in the words, “I love you.”
Dom’s exuberance and compassion were complemented with grit and resilience. After sustaining two serious sports injuries he underwent three surgeries and two excruciatingly slow years of rehabilitation. Upon being medically cleared in the fall of his senior year, Dom enlisted in the US Army. When asked why he chose this path, without hesitation he affirmed, “I want to be useful with my body.”
In what came to be the final six months of Dom’s life on earth, he never wavered with his decision to serve his country. He arranged for an early graduation from CB West so that he could make himself available to leave for basic training in the spring. He was physically and mentally ready for his next chapter. He had profound respect for the officers involved in his recruitment and was deeply grateful for their mentorship.
In addition to his parents and brothers, Dom leaves behind maternal grandparents, Peter and Sandra Duchnowski, paternal grandparents, Robert Testani (Sandra) and Barbara Testani, as well as numerous loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
The thought of a world without Dom leaves his parents and brothers broken. Memories of Dom’s zeal, and the promise of everlasting life, will sustain them in the loneliest of times.
Relatives and friends are invited to his memorial Mass at 3 p.m., Friday, March 24, 2023 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 235 East State Street, Doylestown where the family will greet guests from 1 p.m., until the time of Mass. There will be an additional visitation Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Interment will be private.
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