Obituary of William M. Best

WESTFIELD - William M. Best, 78, of Westfield, NY died October 2, 2018  at the home of his brother, Harry M. Best, with family at his side.

  He was born December 22, 1939 in Westfield to George R. and Vivian (Mettendorff) Best. A lifelong resident of Westfield, he was a graduate of Westfield Academy & Central School and had attended Bryant & Stratton Business Institute.

  Bill was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1960 until 1963, which included time stationed overseas in Korea.  He retired in 2013 after a 44-year career at Renold Ajax in Westfield.  Early in his career, he had worked for Chevrolet Automotive Inventory.

  He was a life member, past governor, and fellowship degree holder of the Loyal Order of the Moose, Lodge #118, a member of the John W. Rogers American Legion Post, and had been a National Rifle Association member and volunteer Babe Ruth League coach for the Moose Club team for many years. He was also a former president of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1555.

  He was known for his firm beliefs, strong convictions, and distinctive style. He was a hunter, fisherman, and gardener, and was keenly interested in the Boston Red Sox, NASCAR, astronomy, and World War II history. He was beyond loyal to those whom he loved and cared about.

  He is survived by his siblings, Gertrude (Ronald) Thompson of Bemus Point, Quentin (Kathleen) Best of Westfield, Peter (Carol) Best of Westfield, Bridget (Richard) Johnson of Ashville, and Harry “Casey” (Debra) Best of Westfield, and several nephews and nieces.

  Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Roberta (Persinger) Best in 2015.

  Friends may call at the MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton St., Westfield, NY, on Saturday, October 6, 2018 from 1 to 3 PM and are invited to attend the funeral service there at 3 p.m. with Rev. Virginia Carr, Rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, officiating. Military Honors will follow.

   Burial will be private in Westfield Cemetery.

  Memorials may be made to Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750.

  Log on to www.masonfuneral.com to send the Best family a message of sympathy, to light a Memorial Candle or for further information.