Donald J. Best, 81 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday (September 2, 2024) at Strong Memorial Hospital.
He was born November 12, 1942 in Buffalo, NY a son of the late Earl Best and Amelia Sitzman Royal.
Don was employed by Lapp Insulator in LeRoy, NY prior to his retirement. He also tended bar at numerous establishments around Attica, which he enjoyed because he was a great communicator and listener. But Don will be also remembered for the time he volunteered at Crossroads House in Batavia. For over 24 years, he spent so much time and energy helping for such a great cause. He was awarded Volunteer of the Year by the Genesee County Independent Living and Office for the Aging. Don could also be seen volunteering at the Genesee County Tourist Booth in Batavia.
Don enjoyed his family and spent the past 17 winters in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he would enjoy time with his wife. He will be surely missed by all who knew him.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Judi Hopkins Best of Batavia. Son, David (Debra) Best of Attica. Daughter, Sheila Best of Batavia. Grandchildren, Craig, Trever, Richard, Kyle, Juan, Cristiana, Esperanza, Santiago and Anthony. Great-grandchildren, Avery, Austin, Juan Jr., Nyeli and Oakley. Brothers, David (Denise) Best of Tennessee, Robert (Martha) Best of California and Patrick (Darlene) Best of Attica. Brother-in-law, Gary (Lynne) Hopkins of Attica. Sisters-in-law, Doris (late John) Warner of Belfast, Donna (Jim) Zevola of Lake Peekskill, NY, Diane (late Paul) Hendel of Attica, and Joan (Paul) Kulczyk of Batavia. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (Sept. 7th) from 11am-1pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, where a funeral service will commence at 1pm.
Memorial contributions may be offered to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.
ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.
