Eugene 'Gene' M. Testani, Hermitage, passed away peacefully at noon Saturday (4-30-11) in his residence with his wife and daughter at his side, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 53.

Mr. Testani was born Sept. 23, 1957 in Sharon, a son of Samuel D. and Marie A. Sanata Testani. Gene, as he was known by his family and friends, graduated in 1976 from Kennedy Christian High School, now Kennedy Catholic High School, Hermitage.

Self-employed as a carpenter and a woodworker, he was a master craftsman, known and respected for his fine work. Gene gave his expertise and his time to many people; he was always helping his family and friends. Gene served his country for six years as a Reservist through the Pendel-Caminiti U.S. Army Reserve Base, Farrell. He was a member of the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage. More than anything, Gene loved his family.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, the former Sherrye Phillips; and his daughter, Camille, who was the apple of his eye. He will be sadly missed by: his mother, Marie A. Sanata Testani; and his mother-in-law, Dorothy Phillips, both Hermitage; two sisters, Donna M. Nelson, also Hermitage; and Anita L. McElhaney and her husband Gary L., West Middlesex; brother, Rick Testani and his wife Heather, Hermitage; sister-in-law, Patricia Elko and her husband Andy, California, Pa.; and brother-in-law, Carmen Phillips and his wife Sarah, Gibsonia, Pa. He will also be missed by his nieces and nephews, Kristen Halt and her husband Joe; Missy Nelson and her son Sabastian; Jason McElhaney; Jessica McElhaney; Anna Elko; Alex and Julia Phillips; and Dominic and Gianna Testani.

His family and friends will always remember him cutting grass on his John Deere tractor or zooming around the neighborhood in his golf cart.

Gene was preceded in death by his father, Samuel D. Testani; his father-in-law, Carmen J. Phillips; and both his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Memorial contributions may be made to a scholarship fund for the future education of his daughter, Camille. Gene's family would like to thank the kind and caring staff of Sharon Regional Home Hospice and Palliative Care for their gentle and kind assistance.

Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday (5-3-11) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Friends may e-mail condolences by visiting www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory. com.

Service: Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday (5-4-11) in the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage, with the Rev. Jeffery J. Noble, pastor, as celebrant.

A procession will leave the funeral home at 10 a.m. for the church.

Interment: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage