George Constantine Best

George Constantine Best, Born the son of George and Mary (Brynarsky) Besesparis on August 21, 1921 in Shenandoah , PA , he grew up at his family's home on Arch Street in Frackville , PA. He graduated from Frackville High School in 1939 and was salutatorian of his class.

Following graduation he was employed first as a mechanic and then as a welder at the Philadelphia Shipyard.

On October 8, 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served at various locations stateside. Toward the end of the war, he was transferred into the infantry as a Corporal in preparation for the invasion of Japan . As his battalion was set to sail from Seattle , WA to Okinawa , the war in the Pacific ended.

Following his service to his country, he took advantage of the GI bill and attended Pennsylvania State University graduating in 1950 with a BS degree in Industrial Engineering.

Following graduation he was employed briefly at Reading Pipe before joining Western Electric in Allentown , PA where he worked for 35 years as an industrial engineer before retiring in 1985. During his tenure at Western Electric, he was highly regarded. In addition to his work responsibilities, he indulged in his love of story and joke telling by emceeing many Western Electric retirement events. He was also a member of the Emmaus Masonic Lodge #792.

In 1948, he married his high school sweetheart Grace E. Bevan. They lived in State College , Reading and Allentown before eventually settling in Emmaus , PA in 1961. They raised three children, Sandy, Bruce and Gary and were happily married for 55 years until Grace's death in 2004.

George's passions included hunting, fishing and golf. He was trout fishing enthusiast and spent many peaceful, happy hours on the Little Lehigh, rod in his hand and fish in his creel. During summer retreats to Ocean City , NJ , he enjoyed surf casting for flounder, kingfish and an occasional sea robin. He loved his frequent rounds of golf at Shepherd Hills Golf Course in Wescosville , PA. He took great pride in the bragging rights of beating both of his sons on that course. George always put family and friends first and had a genuine interest in their lives. He was always quick with a joke or a card trick and will be remembered for his love of life and overflowing humor.

He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, his brother Ted Besesparis, sister Regina Huffman and daughter-in-law, Patricia A. Best.

He is survived by his sisters Mary Ellen Kralick, Minersville , PA and Eleanor Hewitt, Navato , CA . He is also survived by his children Sandy Baran (Husband, Anthony), Fountain Springs, PA, Bruce Best (Wife, Becky), Houston, TX and Gary Best (Wife, Barbara), Haymarket, VA and six grandchildren: Bridget Baran (Husband, Hiro Fujiyama), Philadelphia, PA; Matthew Baran (Wife, Kelly), Pottsville, PA; Lauren Sjurseth (Husband, Travis), Houston, TX: Garrett Best, Houston, TX; Alex Best, State College, PA and Eric Best, New York, NY and two great grandchildren: Lily and Elias Baran, Pottsville, PA and two step-grandchilden: Joshua and Molly, Houston, TX

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Road , Harrisburg , PA 17110 .

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