Leslie W. Best

Our beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, Leslie William Best, 72, of Girard, Ohio, passed away with his loved ones by his side on September 17, 2025, at University Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. 

He was born on December 20, 1952, in Warren, Ohio, grew up in Niles, and later settled in Girard. He graduated from Niles McKinley High School in 1971 and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Youngstown State University. 

Les was known for his passion for automobiles and boating, which led to his storied career at Best Auto Service in Niles. He was well respected for his knowledge and dedication to the industry as an ASE Master Technician. For many years, he taught certification courses for Sohio, BP, and ProCare Automotive. As a curtain call, he was employed at O’Reilly Auto Parts in Cortland, Ohio. He was also an avid boater. 

A decades-long member of the Cortland Conservation Club, some of his happiest memories were behind the wheel of his antique Chris-Crafton Mosquito Lake. 

Les married the love of his life, Margaret (Davis), on June 21, 1975, and recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. His daughters, Meghan and Mollylin, learned of truelove and steadfastness from them. Les was a Past Master of William Farr Lodge #672 in Girard and a past commander of the Mosquito Lake Power Squadron, having earned his JN (Junior Navigator) grade. He never met a stranger, sometimes to the chagrin of his family. He was known for his sense of humor and comedic timing. He and his brother-in-law, Skip, were affectionately known as the “Hardly Able Construction Company.” Never a lawn work fan, he founded IGWA, the International Grass Watchers Association. 

During his children’s youth, he could be seen driving Nelliebelle, the family’s 1976 Chevy Suburban, often filled with Girard High School Marching Band instruments to and from band nights and football games. Les also earned the title of Grand Page Turner as he was an expert at turning pages of music for his wife when she played the piano. Nothing made Les happier than being surrounded by his family. 

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, and his children, Meghan (Chris) Schmidbauer and Mollylin (Tim) Britt. He is also survived by his sister Diana Szymanski, sister-in-law Kathy Best, and brother-in-law Skip (Nancy) Davis. He cherished his title of uncle to many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roderick and Shirley (Hunt) Best, brother Douglas Best, and brother-in-law Paul Szymanski. 

Calling hours will be held at Blackstone Funeral Home in Girard, Ohio, on Tuesday, September 23, from 4 – 7 PM, with a Masonic service at 7 PM. Additionally, there will be a memorial at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 24, at 11 AM, with calling hours one hour before. The family invites all who loved and knew him to a celebration of life at the Cortland Conservation Club in Cortland, Ohio, on November 22, 2025, at 1 PM. The address is as follows: 

Cortland Conservation Club
3931 McCleary Jacoby Road,                                                                                                                                                                              Cortland, Ohio 44410

Because of his love for his pets, should you be so moved, the family asks you to consider donating to Friends of Fido of Mahoning County in his memory. It is hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember.