Gilbert E. Testa

Gilbert E. Testa, 79, lifelong resident of Wilton, NH, died May 17, 2008 at Harborside Healthcare Center-Crestwood in Milford.� He was born in Ware, MA on January 9, 1929, a son of the late Peter & Mary (DAtri) Testa.� Mr. Testa graduated from Wilton High School, Class of 1946 and attended the Tilton School and University of New Hampshire.� For 22 years, he was an insurance agent for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and was later employed by the State of New Hampshire as a Forest Ranger, retiring in 1991, after 15 years of service.� He was a member of the Wilton Fire Department for 30 years and had served as Chief for 16 years.� In addition, he was a member of the New England Fire Chiefs Association and Hillsborough County Forest Fire Wardens Association.� Mr. Testa enjoyed the outdoors and being out in his yard, especially on his tractor.� He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Parish, Wilton, NH.� Mr. Testa was U.S. Army veteran and a member of the Harley Sanford Post #4368, VFW, Milford.� He was predeceased by a son, Michael S. Testa, who died in 1980.� Family members include his wife of 53 years, Corinne (Hurley) Testa of Wilton; a son, Rick Testa of Lyndeborough, NH; four grandchildren; two great grandchildren; a brother, Peter Testa of Nashua, NH; two sisters, Irma Duval of Old Lyme, CT and Barbara Hardy of Colchester, CT; several nieces and nephews.� There are no calling hours.� A memorial mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 22nd at 10:00 am in Sacred Heart Church, 47 Maple Street, Wilton.� Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Wilton.� In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Wilton Fire Department, P.O. Box 83, Wilton, NH� 03086 or to the Open Cupboard Pantry, P.O. Box 111, Wilton, NH� 03086.�