Richard Almstead Best

Richard Almstead Best passed into the arms of his loving Savior on August 8, 2025, in Pace, Florida. His daughter, Laurie, and son, Dwayne, along with wonderful friends who will forever be part of our family, were present when he passed.

Richard was born in Hudson, New York, on December 26, 1932, the son of Leonard and Alberta Best. He joined the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and served as an Airman 1st Class. Following his tour of service, Richard worked for IBM until his retirement in 1997, serving as a Senior Field Manager.

After retiring, he spent many years traveling throughout the United States with his wife, Barbara, in his beloved motor home. He also lived for several years in Puyallup, WA, helping care for three of his grandchildren and driving his white tractor trailer as a hobby business.

Richard spent many years living in Clinton Corners, NY, where he enjoyed country life, driving his tractor trailer on weekends, and sharing special moments with his granddaughters. They cherished riding alongside him on his meticulously maintained property, playing in the barn, and taking day trips riding shotgun in his tractor trailer. In later years, Richard was blessed with four great-grandchildren, with whom he made treasured memories-whether at the beach, apple picking in the North Georgia mountains, enjoying nightly peanut butter cookies, or passing on his wisdom and grace.

In 2014, Richard relocated to Navarre, Florida, becoming an active member of Community Life Church and charming new friends with his engaging and humorous personality. Richard loved traveling the United States in his RV, NASCAR, playing games, anything peanut butter, and spending time with his family. He was always willing to lend a hand to both friends and strangers.

Richard was a devoted Christian, Elks Club Chaplain, husband, father, and grandfather, and he is greatly missed. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary, and is survived by his brother, Howard (Ellen) Best; his second wife, Barbara; son Dwayne; daughters Tamara and Laurie (Vinny) Del Vecchio; stepchildren Lance (Andrea), Gene (Shelley), Andrew (Mary) Fairchok, and Cindy (Mark) Mercier; 3 grandchildren and 11 step-grandchildren: Ambyr Lane (Mike), Robynn Amoth, Morgan Fahm (Kathryn), Tristan, Gareth (Irlanda), Lance, Lydia, Lorin, Lillia Fairchok, Matthew Mercier, Sasha (Robert), Anna (Stephanie), and Kathrine Fairchok; 4 great-grandchildren, Collyn and Morgan Lane, and Logan and Eleanor Amoth; and nephews Christopher (Jackie) and Andres (Paula) Best.

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