Remembering family and friends

A roundup of notices and services. Look for additional obituaries on this newspaper’s website.

DURHAMVILLE- John M. Best, 74, Irish Ridge Road, died Sunday morning, March 28, 2021, in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Buffalo, on November 21, 1946, he was the son of Louis W. and Helen Slominski Best. A resident of Durhamville since the age of seven, John was a graduate of Oneida High School. He married Brenda Wilkinson in Durhamville, on August 31, 1985. Prior to his retirement, John was employed with the Central New York Psychiatric Center for twenty-two years and previously with Rome State School for eleven years. Following his retirement from New York State, he was employed with Madison-cortland ARC. John was a very devoted model railroad buff, especially with Lionel trains. He was a member of the Toy Train Collectors Society, the Lionel Operating Train Society, the Lionel Collectors Club of America and the Train Collectors Association; a member of the Durhamville Fire Department; was instrumental in the planning and construction of the log cabin at the Durhamville Elementary School, which encouraged him to build his own log home; and was a military buff, which led him to own and maintain a World War II Jeep, along with his train collection. John loved shooting darts and playing pool. Surviving besides his wife, Brenda, are his two sons, Brian J. (Candi) Best of Kansas City, Missouri and Adam L. West of Oneida; his three grandsons, Jack, Theodore and John Best; his two sisters, Barbara (Floyd) Lewis of Sherrill and Margaret “Maggie” (Robert) Panzone of Pratts Hollow; his brother, Lewis G. Best of Oneida; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandson, Liam, at birth in 2011, his sister, Carol Kaun in 2020 and his brother, David P. Best in 2001. Funeral services will be held 10 AM, Friday from the Campbell-dean Funeral Home, Inc., 260 Main Street, Oneida, with the Reverend Neil Coe, officiating. Interment will be made in West Verona Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral 3-7 PM, Thursday. Face masks and social distancing will be enforced. Contributions, in his memory, may be made to any local rst responder organization of one’s choice. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.campbell-dean.com. CAMPBELL-DEAN FUNERAL HOME, INC. Oneida