Joseph Frank Best Jr.

BEST - Joseph Frank Jr., of Sarasota, FL died on Monday, April 28, 2008. He was 85. Born January 2, 1923 in Floral Park, NY, son of the late Joseph F. and Elinor Dowd Best. After graduating from Sewanaka High School in Floral Park, he attended Gettysburg College. During World War II he served in the Merchant Marines, surviving the sinking of two ships in the North Atlantic. He served on classified missions on the "Shiloh" and "Henry R. Mallory." Mr. Best was the owner of Best Hardware in Floral Park, NY, a business started by his father in 1921. Having at one time operated seven stores, the business remains in existence and is now operated by his son, Carl. He was a former resident of Mattituck and Rockville Centre, NY and a resident of Sarasota, FL. He was a member of the North Fork Country Club, Cutchogue, NY, American Legion Post #296 in Grasonville, MD and Bent Tree Country Club, Sarasota, FL. Mr. Best is survived by his wife of 61 years, Margaret "Sis" Schmitt Best, whom he married in 1946; four children Jean Arnold of Pleasant Valley, NY; Joseph Best, III of Atlanta, GA; Carl Best of Amityville, NY, and Barbara Best of Queenstown, MD; sister, Jean Brown and brother, Robert Best; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by sister, Margaret "Peggy" Schultz and brother, Frank Best. A memorial service will be held at the family's home, 420 Terry Path, Mattituck, NY on July 19, 2008 at 3:00pm.