Obituary of David Best

David Best, 88, of Cortland, NY passed away on Friday May 1, 2026. He was born on September 8, 1937 the son of the late Fred and Rena Best. David was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend. He was born in Swampscott, Massachusetts and went on to join the Air Force in 1958. David was a technical writer for Singer Link, where he edited manuals for flight simulators such as the ones used for training pilots in the Apollo missions. When asked, Dave would name favorite hobbies as fishing, singing, Karate and gardening. But Dave was also was deeply involved in church ministries such as Lay pastor, Sunday school teacher and music leadership through his adult life. He became a Christian and attended the Greene Alliance church for over 20 years and when he moved to Marion Iowa, attended the Alliance Church there until moving back to New York. David is survived by his loving wife Sandra Best, his daughters Linda and Heidi Best, and Son and daughter-in-law David and Jennifer Best, his Brother-in-law John Beals, his Sister-in-law Kathy Best, Son-in-law Thomas Bottle and his wife Donna, his grandchildren TJ and Megan Bottle, Mandi and Lars Hasseler, Emily and Dah Harris, Syrena, Alyssa and Alec Best and also by his great-grandchildren Jonathan and Dominic Best, Lydia and Leah Bottle and Lily and DJ Harris. David is predeceased by his parents Frederick and Rena Best, his daughter Jane Bottle, his In-laws Alden and Syrena Beals, his brother Rick Best, his niece Jody Sweeney, his nephew Ricky Best, his Sister-in-law Sue Beals and his cousin Darby Kinney. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will take place later in July. In lieu of flowers please make donations to your favorite Charity in Dave's name.