Obituary of Thomas Best

Thomas Best, age 71, of High Bridge, NJ, passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2023.  Tom was born on April 8, 1952, in Elizabeth, NJ, to Irma (Koos) Best and the late Thomas Best.

Tom was a graduate of Arthur L. Johnson Regional High School in Clark, NJ and went on to continue his education at Muskingum University in Ohio, where he earned his Bachelor's degree. He also attended various technical institutes where he earned certifications to further his education and career. He most recently worked as a Multicraft Maintenance Mechanic at Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals in Bridgewater, NJ, up until his retirement in 2012. He married the love of his life, Mary Mulligan Best, on May 4, 1985.Together they raised three children; Sara, Brian, and Lukas. As his children grew, Tom was very active in coaching their sports and being there through many life achievements.  

Tom was always the life of the party, loud and charismatic. He enjoyed many evenings sitting at his neighbors’ houses telling stories and having laughs. He also enjoyed tinkering with his motorcycles. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his four grandchildren who brought him great joy.

Thomas will be forever missed by his loving wife, Mary Best; daughter, Sara Laster and her husband Chase; sons, Brian Best and his wife Brooke, Lukas Best and his wife Natalie; and his four grandchildren, Sawyer, Saylor, Ava and Quinn. Tom is also survived by his sister, Joan DeCosimo, her husband Paul DeCosimo and their children Lauren and Chris; his mother, Irma Best and his aunt, Elinor Blore.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather with Tom’s family on Wednesday, May 31st, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Martin Funeral Home, 1761 Route 31, Clinton NJ 08809. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, June 1st at 10:00 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 59 N. Main Street, High Bridge, NJ 08829. Interment will follow at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, 316 Old Allerton Road, Annandale NJ. To send condolences to the family please visit www.martinfh.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Please Click Here to Donate