Douglas E Best

Douglas E. Best, 62, of Cortland and formerly of Niles, entered peacefully into eternal life on Monday, November 30, after a month-long illness with COVID 19.

He was born Wednesday, July 2, 1958 in Warren the son of the late Roderick W. and Shirley M. Hunt Best and was a lifelong area resident.

A 1976 graduate of Niles McKinley High School, he received a degree in Automotive Marketing from Northwood University (formerly Northwood Institute) in Midland, Michigan.

Doug turned his passion for the auto industry into his career.  For 45 years, he worked and eventually helped operate with the family Best Auto Service in Niles.  He also worked for M&M Auto Leasing in Canfield and was currently working for Gerber Collision.

Doug was known for his laugh and smile.  He was known for his love of entertaining and was the life of the party.  Doug had a passion for restoring old cars.  He loved boating, camping, the outdoors, and golfing.  He was a former member of the Wolves Club and Niles Jaycees.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years the former Kathleen S. Flask, whom he married on June 23, 1995.  Also left to cherish his memory are his son Casey Best of Cortland, a stepson Christopher (Mackenzie Diegan) Batman of Niles; his brother Leslie (Margaret) Best of Girard and a sister Diana (Paul) Szymanski of Toledo.  Doug is also survived by his in-laws Theresa Noble (Ron) of Texas, Geri Massucci of Howland;; Joe, Jr. (Barb) Flask of Vienna, and Ken and Stephen Flask, both of Pennsylvania; James (Chris Tobin) Pollock of Lordstown; Marcia Flask of Warren and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Doug was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law Joseph Sr. and Alice (Karafa) Flask, by a brother-in-law Michael Flask and a sister-in-law Joan Pollock.

Memorial Calling hours will take place on Monday, December 7, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

A Memorial Service, with Rev. Curtis Miller officiating, will take place on Monday, December 7, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home.

The family, and funeral home will be practicing social distancing and proper health protocols. Due to the continued and increasing spread of Covid-19, the 6-foot social distancing rule will be honored, and all guests, must wear a mask. For the safety of everyone, we politely ask that all visitors exit the funeral home after paying their respects to the family (unless staying for the service).  Please do not linger.

The Best family understands if you feel uncomfortable or if you are unable to attend, please keep them and Doug in your thoughts and prayers.

The family requests that memorial contributions take the form of donations in Doug’s name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

A Caring Cremation has been entrusted to the care of the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road, NE, Warren, Ohio 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated to Serving Your Loved Ones. This obituary may be viewed, and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.