Obituaries

Joseph (Joe) M. Best, Sr., age 93, formerly of Old Forge, passed away Thursday at Guardian Health Care Center in Taylor where he had resided while suffering from dementia. On June 28, 2017, he lost the love of his life, Eileen Marie (McAndrew) Best. The couple celebrated 63 years of marriage together.
Born on January 28, 1930 and son of the late Clyde and Mary (Moran) Best, Joe was a graduate of the former Moosic High School.
He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as a medic on the USS Wasp. Upon marriage, he began his career in real estate sales as the owner of Hearthside Realty in Bordentown, N.J., before relocating home to Moosic and working for Pocono Country Place Realty until his retirement. Of Roman Catholic faith, he was a member of Queen of the Apostles Parish in Avoca.
Joe had an amazingly memorable humor, certainly holding the title as “King of Bad Jokes.” His family meant absolutely everything to him and he was proud to have his legacy in the hands of the four generations he leaves behind.
Now at peace and reunited with Eileen, he will forever be missed and loved by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchild, all of whom’s lives were left positively impacted by their Dad and Papa.
He is survived by his loving family, including his children Joseph Best, Jr. and wife Cindy of Old Forge, Patty Romano and fiance Ray Sevin of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Susan Allen of Old Forge, Lisa Paolucci and husband Tony of Old Forge, Martin Best and wife Diane of Scranton and Kevin Best of Moosic; 17 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; a great-great grandchild; and nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Robin Best; grandchildren, Kelly Allen, Nicholas Capone and infant Alicia Romano; a great grandson, Dante Mercado; a son-in-law, Frank Allen; and siblings, Irene Smerdon and Clyde Best.
His family would like to acknowledge and thank the entire staff of Guardian Health Care Center for the extended care and compassion given to Joe throughout his stay.
Private arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge.