Obituary of Robert Peter Testani

Robert Peter Testani, 64, of Punta Gorda, Florida and for much of his life, Wolverine Lake, Michigan, was taken from his family and loved ones on December 1, 2022. Rob was born on January 27, 1958 to Amerigo and Roberta Testani in Detroit, Michigan. His schooling began at St. Dunstan’s where he gave the nuns and priest a good challenge. Rob became a great hockey player (one TooStay away from) and graduated from Garden City East High School in 1976. After completing college classes, he began his career in the automotive business. Through his incredible people skills, deep knowledge, and strong leadership he worked his way to dealership and service director. Throughout his career he created many lasting relationships with those that were eager to work for and with him. It was in high school that he met his chaichi, soul mate and lifelong love, Mollie (Chapman) Testani. They shared a marriage of 44 years where Rob served as the calm to her storm. During those years, they shared many adventures, travels and made irreplaceable memories. He always told Mollie, “If you live to be a 100, I want to live to be a 100 minus one day so I never have to live without you." Together, they had two children, Emily and Natalie. Rob was always their biggest supporter giving advice, sharing experiences, watching dance shows and cheering at basketball games. The pride he had in his girls knew no limit. He gained a son, Tim Simpson, through the marriage of his oldest daughter. He and Tim were not just in-laws but friends that enjoyed a good drink, a day on the pontoon with Captain Rob, and time spent talking or watching sports. One of his greatest joys were his five grandchildren, Ty Bewak and Niko, Colette, Leo and Harper Quigley. He enjoyed nothing more than fishing, playing a heated game of wiffle ball, wrestling, playing dolls or barbies, and cheering them on at baseball games. Prior to retirement, Rob loved his life on Wolverine Lake including Friday nights at La Luna, afternoons at the swim hole, nighttime shenanigans, swimming at the shore, and much time with friends and loved ones. In July 2020, Rob retired and moved to Florida to become our one and only “Florida Man.” He truly loved the warm sun, happy hours, and waterways (the harbor and ocean) in Florida. It deeply saddens us that his time in the place he so loved was so short. Regardless of location, Rob was an amazing golfer that loved his leagues, golf partner, and crushing it at outings. Rob was an avid MSU fan (Go Green!) and loved watching football. He could talk and connect with anyone and was called best friend by many. Rob was preceded in death by his mother, Roberta Testani; niece, Rhianon Todoroff; nephew, Thomas Todoroff; and stepmother, June Testani. He is survived by his wife, Mollie Testani; his children Emily Testani (Tim Simpson) and Natalie Testani; his father Amerigo (Chico) Testani; his mother and father in-law, Wes and Donna Chapman; brother and sisters Ron Testani (Dawn Testani), Cindy Johnson (Joe Johnson); Beth Collins (Craig Collins); his grandchildren; Ty, Niko, Collete, Leo and Harper; his sister in-laws; Pam Todoroff and Cindy Chapman; his nieces and nephews; grand dog; Maverick and many extended family members. The hole his passing leaves is massive, and many hearts are broken by his departure. His impact on those left behind is immeasurable and we are all lucky to have him and his love continue on in our hearts. A memorial and celebration of life will be held in his honor in Michigan in January. Details for this event will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the family for education accounts for his very loved grandchildren.