Obituary of Neil Best

Neil Best, aged 91, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Born on December 3, 1932, in Nyack, New York, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Neil was raised in New City, New York when Rockland County was farmland.  His rural upbringing imbued him with a passion for nature that he carried with him throughout his life.  He was happiest in the country, and an encyclopedia of information about animal behavior, plants, and trees.

In 1951, shortly before graduating from Congers High School, Neil met the love of his life, Annie DeBernardo. They married in 1954 and remained devoted to each other over a very happy 69-year marriage.

Neil proudly served in the US Navy from 1951 to 1955, fulfilling his duties with honor.  A dedicated provider who often worked two jobs, much of his career was spent as a Serviceman Specialist with Public Service Electric & Gas Company from which he retired in 1997.

Neil’s Roman Catholic faith was a source of strength.  He and Annie raised their family and lived their lives guided by its tenets.  They were members of St. Patrick RC Church in Belvidere, NJ.

A natural athlete, Neil developed a love of golf in retirement and still played nine holes weekly at age 90.  Other interests included gardening, cooking and baking, music, and travel. Neil was happiest, though, spending time with family and friends.  Visits with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were always special occasions.

Neil is survived by his children, Neil, Jr., Pamela, and John; their spouses Noreen, George, and Robert; grandchildren Catherine (Timothy), George (Sarah), Elizabeth (Andrew), Michael (Morgan), John, Zachary, and Honesty; great-grandchildren David, Owen, Amy, and Zara, and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Annie; his parents Caroline and Herman; and his siblings Henry and Joan.  Neil, with Annie, also cherished good friends made over 24 years of living in the Brookfield community.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 11 am at St. Patrick RC Church, 327 Greenwich St., Belvidere, NJ.  Inurnment to follow at St. Patrick Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the good work of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in his memory.