Richard A. "Rick" Best, 65, of Edinburg passed away unexpectedly while working in his garden Tuesday afternoon, October 16, 2018.

Mr. Best was born December 6, 1952, in New Castle, a son of the late Benjamin F. and Isabel (Smail) Best. He was a lifelong area resident and 1971 graduate of Shenango High School.

Rick retired in 2015 from Praxis LLC, New Castle, formerly Universal Rundle Corp., where he worked in maintenance for 40 years.

He was of the Christian faith.

An exceptional bowler, Rick was a longtime member of the Slovak Club and their bowling league held at Colonial Lanes, both New Castle.

He loved spending time outdoors at his camp in Marienville, PA, while hunting and fishing, as well as working in the vegetable garden at his home. An avid NASCAR fan, Rick also enjoyed smoking meats to make sausage and jerky for his friends and family.

Surviving are: his companion of 36 years, Wanda O'Neill, with whom he made his home in Edinburg; a step son, Thomas (Tina) O'Neill, of Woodbridge, VA; a sister, Linda (Tony) Esposito; and a brother, Chuck (Nora) Best, all of Shenango Twp.; four grandchildren, David Hogan, Brighton Fontenot, and Thomasina and Sicily O'Neill; and four great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by a brother, William "Bill" Best.

Calling hours will be 4 p.m. until the time of service Friday (10-19-18) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.

Funeral service will be 6 p.m., in the funeral home, with Rev. Larry Llewellyn, pastor of Heights C&MA, New Castle, officiating.