John M. Best, Jr.

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; stepmother, Millie Best; stepbrothers 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, 130 Avondale Ave., Toledo on Saturday, January 15, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to noon followed by a funeral Mass at noon.

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.

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