Robert E. Best Sr., 78, of Belford, passed away April 20, 2021. Robert was born Sept. 20, 1942, in Long Branch, a son of the late Madlyn (Truax) and Frederick Best Sr. He lived in the Bayshore area all his life.
Bob proudly served his country in the early 1960s as a part of the U.S. Navy’s construction force, the Seabees. In the early ’70s Bob worked as an operating engineer in New York City. In 1975 he found his true calling and became an independent commercial fisherman/ lobsterman. He and his partner, Jack Baker, opened the Shoal Harbor Lobster Co. in 1975 and ran it for 45 years, until Hurricane Sandy destroyed the building.
Bob was an advocate for local fishermen and the fishing industry in New Jersey. He worked with marine fisheries and senators. He was also the fisherman responsible for bringing black fish into the New Jersey fish markets.
He was a devout member of Grace Fellowship Church in Middletown where he was known as “Cowboy Bob.” Even if he was not in church, he could be found reading his bible every day. Bob will always be remembered as a true gentleman with great integrity. He was dedicated to his family, work and his faith.
Robert is survived by his wife of 38 years Nancy (Martinez) Best. He also leaves behind three children: his youngest daughter Jennifer Best of Belford; and his first-born children, Tara Best of Belford and Robert Best Jr. of Florida, along with their mother Georgi-Ann Best. Robert is also survived by his brother Fred Best Jr. of Florida; six grandchildren, Kyle, Morgan, Haleigh, Hannah, Brian and Luke; and three great-grandchildren, John, Michael and Annie. Bob was predeceased by his brother, James Best Sr., and sister Helen Mebus.
Friends and relatives paid their respects April 24 at Scott & Kedz Home for Funerals. A funeral service concluded the afternoon and a private cremation followed.
The article originally appeared in the April 29 – May 5, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
