David Eugene Testerman of Virginia Beach, Va., formerly Bellefontaine, OH and Havre de Grace, MD, passed away suddenly on April 20, 2024.
David was born in Havre de Grace, MD to Reeves Eugene “Buddy” and Sandra Lee (nee Starr) Testerman in May of 1968. The family moved to Ohio in 1978, where David graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1986.
His dedication to Country and will to honor his Grandfathers and Uncle moved David to enlist in the United States Navy. David proudly served from 1986 until his retirement in 2006. David’s naval career began on a prestigious note, being selected to advance directly from enlistment training to Nuclear School.
Numerous achievements followed throughout his honorable service, 4 Good Conduct medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Iraq Companion Medal, along with other various awards for his work developing instruments used by the Navy and as an instructor himself.
He also commanded expert rifleman and expert pistol shot classifications. David became a Nuclear Technician, serving on several submarines. His primary responsibilities included operation maintenance, testing, troubleshooting, repair of electrical instrumentation and control equipment which supported every component of the nuclear submarine. David had a comforting composure about him that put anyone in his company at ease.
Family was most important to David, it was not unusual to receive a phone call from him, just because he was thinking about you. Those who loved him are left to mourn his absence and cherish his memory through his passions for cooking, gardening, and rocking out – Metallica style.
Along with his devoted parents, Reeves E. “Buddy” and Sandra L. “Sandy” (nee Starr) Testerman, David leaves behind his beloved wife of 32 years Honey Lynn (Snedeker) Testerman, loving children Richard Guizar – Testerman (USNAVY) and girlfriend Nikki, Leandra Walters and husband Cortland; treasured grandson Colt Walters; dear sister Dawn Givens and husband Chris, his favorite niece Kirsten Givens, grandmother Gay Starr, uncles Harry Edward “Eddie” Testerman (USARMY Veteran) and Ronald Dean “Ronnie” Testerman. He also leaves behind numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends that he considered family. David was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Earnest “Reeves” Testerman (USNAVY Veteran), Kenneth “Smoke” Starr (USARMY Veteran); grandmother, G. Dolores Testerman; and Uncle, Earnest David “Ernie” Testerman.
Family and friends will honor David’s Life on Friday May 3, with a viewing from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., 123 S. Washington Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078.
Funeral services will be at the funeral home with Livestreaming, May 4, beginning at 11 a.m., with visitation the hour prior. Interment with Full Military Honors will immediately follow at Rock Run Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made in David’s name to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 78516, Topeka KS 66675. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family and livestream access at www.zellmanfuneralhome.com.