Daniel John Testa

Retired Akron District Fire Chief, Daniel J. Testa, 90, City of Green, passed away on April 20, 2026.

Dan was born in McAlester, OK on February 3, 1936 to Dan & Margaret (Smith) Testa. Dan graduated from Garfield High School, Class of 1955 and attended the University of Akron. He served in the United States Air Force as a Fire/Crash Rescue Specialist in the Air National Guard.

Dan Joined the Akron Fire Department where he retired after 32 years of service, rising to the rank of District Chief. He described his career at the fire department as the 'best job in the world'. In 1984 he studied at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD for fire/arson investigation. He also completed the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Program, receiving the Summit County Sheriff's Academy Award for second place in academic proficiency. After retirement, he worked another 20 years as office manager at Store-With-Us.

Dan's passion for the outdoors was evident in his hobbies which included golfing, geocaching, hiking, and snow/water skiing. He was active in amateur 'Ham' Radio. He loved traveling the US with his wife, Donna, in their motor home, and the many adventures and friends they made throughout the US.

He loved his home on the Portage Lakes, skiing, boating, and watching the stunning sunsets off of his deck, with an RC (Rum and Coke) in hand.

His happiest moments are the ones he shared with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren....how proud he was of them all.

In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by his beloved son, Danny; sister Patricia Vasiliou and her husband James; mother-in-law Helen Smyers.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Donna; daughter Sherri (Rod) Hower; grandchildren Samantha (Jimmy) Curran, Danielle (Spencer) Shreve, & Kyle (Alexis) Hower; great-grandchildren Scarlett, Rory, & Jameson Curran; brother Thomas Testa; sister-in-law Carol (Mark Hohl) Swan, as well as nieces, nephews, and his coffee buddies.

The family wishes to thank all of those who supported and cared for Dan during his journey including his amazing family and friends. A special thanks goes to Crossroads Hospice and Samantha Mullens Home Health Care for their compassionate care and commitment.

Cremation has taken place and Dan will be interred privately at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman. (Anthony, AKRON, www.anthonyfh.com)