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John Best Obituary
May 10, 1950 - January 9, 2022
John M. Best, Jr., 71, passed away surrounded by his loving family on January 9, 2022 at Ebeid Hospice. John was a fiercely loving and loyal son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, but the title he loved the most was "Papa" to his four grandchildren.
John, the oldest of five children, was born in Toledo on May 10, 1950 to John and Catherine Best. He was a proud member of the 1968 class of Central Catholic High School. He attended OSU (despite being a die-hard Michigan fan) and the University of Toledo. John married his devoted wife, Charlotte, in 1973, raised twin daughters, and took great pride in his grandchildren. For many decades he worked as a sales rep in the clothing industry and made friends across the country.
How does one reduce a life well-lived to a few paragraphs? This is only a snippet of our fondest memories. John was a gifted storyteller. He loved a good joke and looked forward to receiving new ones from friends. Even though talking on the phone has fallen out of favor, John used it as a lifeline to his friends and family. He loved playing golf with his buddies; he always preferred Motown music to all others; and he's probably opening a Dunkin' Donuts franchise in Heaven.
A devout Catholic, John was a tireless volunteer and basketball coach for his daughters at St. Pius X parish. In recent years, he left a lasting mark on the Historic Church of St. Patrick as tour guide and historian, archiving the church's history and creating a museum of artifacts.
John will be deeply missed by his wife, Charlotte; daughters, Ellen (Matt) Mackowiak and Claire (Lavelle) Edmondson; grandchildren, Mark and Ben Mackowiak and Lily and Chloe Edmondson; siblings, Gina (Tom) Shiffert Tillander and Steve (Eileen) Best; siblings-in-law, Barbara Szydlowski and Helen (Matt) Josefowicz; step mother, Millie Best; step brothers Jim (Ellen) Hixenbaugh and Bill Hixenbaugh; many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Juli (Fred) Hutchisson (Rick) Rodkey; and brother, Patrick (Carla) Best.
Over the years John was cared for by many medical professionals, and the family wishes to thank them.
Family and friends will be received at the Historic Church of St. Patrick on Saturday, January 15, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to noon followed by a funeral Mass at noon. Arrangements have been entrusted to Newcomer Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in John's name be made to Central Catholic High School or the Historic Church of St. Patrick.
For the safety of all in attendance, masks are required. Thank you for your cooperation.
God is getting the BEST.
To leave a special message for John's Family, please visit
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Memories and Condolences
for John Best
Lawrence Joseph
January 15, 2022
To a dear friend and great guy. Only saw him on occasion but was always great to see or hear from. Lost track of him for past few years and this is the tragic way to year about him. Dear friend and my sympathy to your family and especially your siblings, Gina and Steve. Known them also for years but lost track of them as well. RIP, my friend.
Anne Bonanni
January 15, 2022
Charlotte and family,
Sorry to hear of John's passing. I remember him from my days at the office of CCHS. John was always pleasant and had a moment to chat. Love and Prayers, Anne Bonanni
Mickey (Justen) & Kevin Molnar
January 15, 2022
Dearest Charlotte, Claire & Ellen,
We are so saddened by the loss of John! I furst met John because he was a good friend of my brother, Mike Justen. They always reminded me a lot of each other. Then I had you as a teacher @ Central Charlotte, & thought it was so great that you & John were married to each other... two special people! We shared our kids grade school years at St. Plus. I know Ryan thought a lot of your girls. Haven't seen all of you in a while, but those memories feel like yesterday. Praying for everyone at this sad time. God bless John with heavenly paradise & give you peace and comfort.
Carla Zsigray
January 14, 2022
I worked for LSP and John would come in to visit his family member. He was kind, caring and funny. He would have made a great diplomat due to his kindness. The world has lost a great man. God beautiful his soul and family
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Omar Hickle
January 13, 2022
I am very saddened to hear of the passing of John. My heart and prayers go out to the family. John and I became very good friends when we went to Basic Training together for the Army National Guard. John was a great guy and very well liked by everyone. John will be missed by everyone that knew him. RIP john.
Marianna Russo Baroni
January 13, 2022
To the dear family of John Best, I am so sorry for your loss. John was a wonderful man filled with a lot of love for others. He was a cousin I didn't get to see often enough but always kept in contact with because of my love for family. God Bless all of you in knowing he is in heaven. Stay close, and call me anytime.
Roze from Floyd's Barbershop
January 13, 2022
John will be greatly missed, he never failed to brighten my day when he came in for his appointment, it is with a heavy heart to have to say goodbye to such a ray of sunshine
Florence. P. Best
January 12, 2022
John, always thoughtful, took time to come see his cousin Ed at his long term care center. He organized family reunions and served the Best Family in so many wonderful ways. He was one in a million!!
Ron DePrisco
January 12, 2022
John was a great classmatexat CCHS ..He was my locker parter our sophomore year..Condolences to the family. May he rest in peace
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