Italian American Heritage Month: The Testa Family

Vineland is New Jersey's largest city by area It's vast and atypical of America's most densely populated state. Vineland is unique -- and so too is the Testa family, whose members have embodied public service, professional excellence, and  pride in Vineland and South Jersey for generations.

The Honorable Frank J. Testa Municipal
Building in Vineland, NJ

Frank J. Testa, the son of a shoemaker, laid the foundation for this legacy. Born in Vineland in 1914, Frank Testa graduated as the valedictorian of the Vineland High School class of 1934. He worked his way through college at Temple University, and earned a law degree from South Jersey Law School, now Rutgers. Testa went on to become the last municipal judge of the borough of Vineland, and the first municipal judge of the city of Vineland. He later served as Mayor of Vineland and then as a respected member of the New Jersey Superior Court. The Vineland Municipal Building (above) is dedicated in his honor. He epitomized the American Dream. His life set a standard for civic responsibility that endures to this day.

Senator Mike Testa (l) and his father,
Michael Testa Sr.

His son, Michael Testa Sr., continued that tradition as a prominent Vineland attorney and community leader. For decades, he has provided wise counsel and steadfast advocacy to local families and businesses while remaining deeply engaged in civic and charitable life. Through his work, the Testa name and the family’s law firm, Testa Heck Testa & White, P.A have became synonymous with professionalism and community trust.

From that same tradition comes Senator Michael (Mike) Testa Jr., a rising political star who carries the family’s values to Trenton as Senator for New Jersey’s 1st Legislative District -- a seat he won in a stunning upset that gained national attention and helped revitalize New Jersey's Republican Party. Combining his family’s legal heritage with energetic public leadership, Senator Testa champions the needs of South Jersey while mentoring the next generation of civic leaders. 

Ellen Flumen Testa

Adding to this proud record is Senator Testa's mother, Ellen Flumen Testa. The only child of Holocaust survivors, she has extended the family’s public-service tradition through her leadership in Buena Vista Township where she serves as Deputy Mayor and a member of the Township Committe. Her hands-on approach to local government reflects the Testa family’s belief that citizenship begins at the neighborhood level.

Together, the Testas have given us as legacy of hard work and steadfast advancement bound by faith, family and devotion to public duty. From generation to generation, each adds a new chapter to an inspiring American story.

We are proud to know them!