Howard Best

Howard Best, 88, Korean War veteran, of Scranton, Pa., died Monday morning at Hospice of the Sacred Heart with loved ones at his side after a strong and courageous battle with cancer. He was a member of St. John Neumann Parish.

He is survived by his loving wife, Catherine (Slavinskas) Best. From the first time they met, they became a loving team. They enjoyed a beautiful 27-year marriage together.

Born in Forty Fort, Pa., March 8, 1932, to Margaret (Peggy) Best, he was loved and raised by the late Anna (Coburn) and John C. Best.

Howard is survived by five stepchildren, Ann Gavin Joyce and her husband, Bobby (Moosic Lake, Pa.); Marah Yatko (Scranton, Pa.); William Moran and his wife, Sila (Redwood City, Calif.); Cassandra Moran (Durham, N.C.) and Tony Moran, (Durham, N.C.). Howard was a grandfather to nine: Kimberly Royce, Kenneth Rohland, Marc Hirschler, Kristin Gilhool, Rob Joyce, Ryan Joyce, Victoria Yatko, Elizabeth Yatko and Elijah Kai; great-grandfather to 14 and great-great-grandfather to 10. He also had several cousins that he cherished and loved.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Theresa Gavin; her two daughters, Theresa Rohland and Maureen (Reenie) Hirschler; and grandson, John Hirschler Jr.

Howard worked hard and developed many lifelong friendships during his 30-year career at the Chamberlain Corp., Scranton, Pa. He was proud of his dedicated hours and contributions.

Howard loved his time with family and friends, restaurant outings, trips and mornings out with the guys. He was also a devoted PSU fan for decades, never missing a game. Everyone who knew Howard knew he was the kind of man who could be counted on, someone to be there with the right words to say or wise words of wisdom, to give a hug, or for a shoulder to cry on. He was proud of his family; always supportive, loving, encouraging and present. His funny, quick witted side lifted our spirits and will not be forgotten including the time he stole the show playing the role of Pope at a Catholic Charismatic roasting. Howard loved life and he held on as long as possible so that he could continue to cherish his remaining time, spend as much time with the people in his life, and importantly, live to see the first PSU game of the 2020 season. Words cannot express how much he will be missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 11 a.m. in Nativity of Our Lord Church, St. John Neumann Parish, 633 Orchard St., by the Rev. Michael Bryant, pastor. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.

Friends may call Thursday morning at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Neumann Parish. To leave an online condolence, visit www.augusthaasfuner

alhome.com.