Born on January 1, 1938, in Olean, he was a son of William M. and Marion Broker Best. On October 14, 1961 he married the former Beverly Palmitier who predeceased him on November 6, 1998.

Howard was a graduate of Portville Central School. He served in the United States NAVY from 1956-1962.

He was a member of Our Lady of Angels Church in Cuba, a life member and past commander of the Cuba American Legion Post 655 where served on the Board of Directors for 15 years and received the Legionnaire of the year award in 1998. He was also a life member of the Shawns M. Clemens Memorial AmVets Post 1 of Cuba, the Cuba VFW Post 2721, and the Allegany County 40&8. He was a Past President of the St. Stephens Club in Olean.

He had worked for the Cuba NAPA Parts store for many years prior to his retirement.

He is survived by a son, Robert Best of Portville; 3 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Judianne Best; two grandchildren, Robert Best, Jr. and Patsy Best; a daughter-in-law, Dawn Best; a brother, William Best; and a sister, Carol Johnson.

Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 from 10-11:00 A.M. at which time funeral services will be held.

Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Cuba, New York.