Tim Testerman ’73

The class was saddened to learn that Tim went to his eternal rest Aug. 2, 2019, after an illness in Lang Son Province, Vietnam.

Tim came to Princeton from Vero Beach (Fla.) High School, where he excelled in academics (valedictorian) and athletics (football and basketball). At Princeton his success continued as he quarterbacked the undefeated freshman football team. Sophomore year he was on varsity but grew disillusioned with football and ultimately left the program. Originally planning to be an architect, Tim switched to English and graduated with honors. During sophomore year he lived in 6th-entry Holder with Bill Kapler, Carl Barisich, Steve Glauberman, Dave Thompson, Tim Cassidy, Ted Manakas, and Larry Chollet. In his upper class years he lived with Manakas, John Lovejoy, Charlie Piot, and Tom Harhai.

After Princeton Tim embarked on a globe-trotting lifestyle, and he taught in schools in France, Italy, Morocco, Turkey, Greece, China, and ultimately Vietnam. Those who knew him well thought Tim would write a great American novel like his idol, Ernest Hemingway. Classmate Chris Slobogin still has a few unfinished manuscripts that Tim had given him for safekeeping, along with a toolbox.

Although Tim was viewed as an enigma by many, those who knew him best at Princeton describe him as honest, profound, intelligent, and interesting.

The class extends our condolences to his family, especially his older brother Jeff. Rest in peace, Tim.