Peter R. “Tess” Tessoni died on May 10, 2025 at his home in Hermiston at the age of 80.
He was born on March 18, 1945 in Sidney, N.Y. to Alfred and Mildred Kayn Tessoni.
He was raised and attended schools in Auburn, N.Y. Tess was united in marriage to Marlena Choin on Nov. 15, 1969 in Pendleton. He served in the United States Navy during Vietnam before his honorable discharge in 1975 in San Diego, Calif. He and Marlena settled with their family in Hermiston in 1976, where they have lived since.
Tess attended Columbia Basin College, hitching back and forth to school every day and was never late to class. He earned a degree in welding and pipefitting. Tess worked many different jobs during his career: at the Umatilla Army Depot, Corps of Engineers at McNary Dam, Wilbur Ellis, Ross Machine, Simplot Chemical Applicator and a truck driver. He enjoyed gardening, nature, frisbee, RVing and going to the coast.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marlena Tessoni, Hermiston; daughter, Taunya Martin and husband Howard, Hermiston; son, Aaron Tessoni, Hermiston; brothers; Daniel, Robert and Paul Tessoni, all of Rochester, N.Y.; grandchildren, Charles Martin and Alicia Martin; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Tess was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gary and Jimmy; and sister, Vicky.
A graveside funeral service with military honors will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Those who wish may make contributions in Tess’ memory to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Please share memories of Tess with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
