Fred E. Best, 75, of Lewisburg and formerly of Sunbury, passed away Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, at Heritage Springs Memory Care, Lewisburg. He was born March 5, 1945, in Sunbury.

Fred is survived by his wife, Bonnie Sue (Goff). Married in 1979 in the United Methodist Church, Lewisburg, Fred and Bonnie celebrated their 42nd anniversary last Nov. 9. Fred also is survived by cousins, Harry Best, William Best and Barbara Best Holt and their spouses; father-in-law, Sherwood Goff; brother-in-law, William Goff, and sister-in-law, Patricia Goff, and their spouses; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Marcele (Sidler) Best. Thanks to his caring nature, a great sense of humor and a quick wit, Fred was blessed with many friends.

Fred was employed for nearly 40 years at Chef-Boyardee/Con-Agra. He worked in shipping and customer service, retiring as Director of Customer Service and Distribution. He also served in the Pennsylvania National Guard. Fred held a bachelor's degree in business administration from Susquehanna University and was a 1963 graduate of Sunbury Area High School.

An avid golfer, Fred was a long-time member of the Bucknell University golf club, where he worked part-time in his retirement years and was known as "Freddy the Heaver" by Tommy and other friends. Fred was a fan of Bucknell basketball, the Sunbury Mercuries, Boston Celtics, New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He enjoyed attending local high school basketball and football games.

In his final years, Alzheimer's Disease robbed Fred of the ability to enjoy life without additional care. He was blessed with his personal caregiver, Lindsay Oberlin, who captured his heart from their first introduction to their final farewell. She provided him with care and love. In addition, he and Bonnie appreciated the care he received from the staff at Heritage Springs. There are too many to name, but their loving care made Fred feel special.

Others who helped and supported him in his last years were Harry Roberts, his lifelong friend who often visited, played oldies on his iphone, talked sports and took Fred on excursions to Starbucks; and Laia Masllorens, who entered his life 25 years ago as an exchange student, and who soon won his heart and became his own "daughter." Fred loved the special bond he and Bonnie had with Laia, and he knew that when his time on earth ended, Laia would be there for Bonnie.


Fred left this life as an amazingly kind and gentle man, and his family and friends know he was rewarded with an eternal, pain-free life in heaven.

A memorial celebration of Fred's life will be held later this year.

Donations in Fred's memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation, Mostly Mutts or a charity of the donor's choice.