Charles Wallace Best Jr.

Charles W. Best, 68, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 14, 2018 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. In addition to his loving wife, Rosemary, he is survived by his two children: his son Mark and his daughter Kristin and her husband Kristopher and his four precious grandchildren: Jack, Owen, Madeline, and Charles. Charlie was a Track & Field All-American in the pole vault during his undergraduate years at Denison University, where he still holds all pole-vaulting records and a place in their Athletic Hall of Fame. His hard work and dedication earned him a Top Ten ranking worldwide.
Though he pursued many careers and interests after graduate school at UCONN, owning his own business was?his lifelong dream. Therefore, he attended the CT Culinary Institute to prepare him to enter the food service industry. In?1996, he opened the Village Bakery in Vernon which quickly grew to offer bagels and sandwiches. A few years later, the bakery expanded into a well-known deli restaurant. He will always be remembered as the heart and soul of Charlie?s.
Charlie retired in 2010 and devoted his final eight years to working on projects he had been dreaming of. He spent many days and months helping Kristin and Kris with their first home, a classic ?fixer upper,? as well as playing with and teaching his grandchildren. Services will be private, and at the convenience of the family.
Donations can be made to the Hockanum Valley Community Council (HVCC) Food Pantry,?29 Naek Road, Vernon, CT 06066?or a charity of your choice. For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .