Obituary: Ruth M. Best

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Obituary: Ruth M. Best

Friday, 16 March 2012 00:00

Ruth M. Best, of Henrietta, NY, previously of Port Washington, passed away on March 6, 2012 at the age of 89. Surviving are her loving children, Heidi Best, Ithaca, NY, David Best, Henrietta, NY, and Steven Best and his wife Ellen, Henrietta, NY; her caring grandchildren, Sarah Best, Laura Best, Zachary Best and Daniel Best. Also surviving is her devoted sister, Joan Cottingham, Westport, CT, and her stepdaughter, Lauren Tucker, Alamos, CA; two nephews, one grand-niece and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jack Best and by her dear brother, Robert Cottingham.

Born on May 12, 1922 in Fort Wayne, IN, Ruth’s love of music began as a young girl spending many hours playing piano and singing. Ruth studied voice at Ithaca College and was given a scholarship to Eastman School of Music, which she attended. In pursuit of a career as an opera singer she moved to New York City.

Ruth became a member of the Robert Shaw Collegiate Chorale in 1941. She was chosen to sing at Carnegie Hall in Gabrilowitsch memorial concerts, and in the chorus for the NBC appearance of Leopold Stokowski, and performed on Broadway with Olsen and Johnson. In 1943 she was invited to sing with Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians and performed both in radio’s very popular Chesterfield Pleasure Time program, as well as touring with the Waring group. In 1949, she left her career to raise a family in Fresh Meadows and then Port Washington. She learned how to type in Braille and did several documents for the National Library. Ruth was a member of the adult chorus at the Congregational Church of Manhasset, then conducted by her husband. After her children were grown, she worked for 18 years in the Customer Service Department of Publisher’s Clearing House.

Family was the most important part of Ruth's life and she loved every moment she spent with her grandchildren. In her own words her marriage, children and then grandchildren were her “raison d’être.” Her beautiful and singular soprano voice expressed the true essence of her soul. She will be very much missed by her family.

A memorial gathering for friends and family will be held at a later date. She will rest with her husband, Jack at Calverton Memorial Cemetery. Donations in Ruth's name may be made to Lifetime Care Hospice, 3111 S Winton Rd., Rochester, NY 14623.

News

ERASE Racism Benefit

Saturday, 18 May 2013 00:00

Arda Haratunian An Organizer

Manhasset resident Arda Nazerian Haratunian is lending her expertise and support to ERASE Racism, a civil rights non-profit that advocates for racial equity on Long Island. As a member of its planning committee for the third year in a row, she is helping to organize ERASE Racism’s Annual Benefit Celebration, which will take place on June 5 at the Garden City Hotel.

A strategic communications consultant, Arda has more than 25 years experience in both the private and public sectors. She most recently served as senior policy advisor and communications director to former Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi and previously worked for New York Governor Mario Cuomo. During the decade between her two careers in public service, Arda was on Wall Street, serving as managing director of global corporate communications for Citigroup’s Corporate and Investment Bank and before that, head of media and public relations at the American Stock Exchange.

Manhasset Florist & Greenhouse

There is a floral treasure in Manhasset, something unique: it’s the greenhouse in front of Manhasset Florist on Orchard Street. “Having my own greenhouse ensures premium plant growth and creates optimum conditions. This allows me to offer the healthiest plants to my customers,” says owner Alexander Otis. Indeed, the plants look truly perfect and a delightful scent of blossoms fills the air of the greenhouse.

“My father bought the business and property 45 years ago. During those years, he opened a total of five flower shops in Nassau County,” said Alex. His father trained him and his sister Aretta in the flower business. “While still attending high school we both helped on Saturdays and during our vacations,” he explains. Alex graduated from the New York Institute of Technology as an architect and worked as an engineer for over six years before returning to his roots to help his father manage his five flower shops and to run one, Garden City Florist. “When my father retired in 1999, I took over Manhasset Florist & Greenhouse and Aretta took over Port Washington Florist.”

Sports

Victorious In Opening Manhasset Valley Park Game

Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00

Logan Hyde pitching. One of Manhasset’s 12U intramural baseball teams defeated Great Neck in the first game played at the renovated Valley Park field on Saturday April 27. Manhasset’s offense scored 10 runs, including a home run from Devin Callery, while pitchers Logan Hyde, Jeff Torborg, James Marchetti and Grant Petracca combined to limit Great Neck to one hit with 11 strikeouts in six innings. Edward Jarvis, Robert DeCastro, Massimo Abruzzo, Colby Schmidt, Gabriel Cohen, Spencer Kaye and Justin Louie each contributed quality defensive plays. Manhasset raised its record to 4-0 and stands in first place in the inter-town intramural league, which includes 8 teams from Merillon, Albertson-Herricks, Great Neck and Manhasset.

JV Ice Hockey Team Finishes The Season

Wednesday, 15 May 2013 10:34

The Manhasset Junior Varsity Ice Hockey Team finished their season Wednesday night, April 17, beating Bellmore/Merrick 4-3 in the championship game at the Bethpage Community Park Ice Rink. Wednesday’s finale marked the end of an impressive campaign by the Indians which included a 19-1 regular season record and a trip to the New York State Championship in Ithaca.

Manhasset got off to a strong start scoring four times in the first period on goals by Michael Walsh, Michael Brzozowski, Mario De Bueriis, and Matthew Cecchini whose tally would prove to be the game winner. Nolan Behringer, Ryan Kiess, and goaltender Alex Feinstein led the defense in shutting down a powerful Bellmore/Merrick squad, securing Manhasset’s first ever Junior Varsity Championship.