Father Russell W. Best, a priest of the archdiocese of Boston since his ordination by Bernard Cardinal Law on June 7, 1986, at Holy Cross Cathedral, died at Marian Manor in South Boston on April 15, 2020.

Born in Boston on May 14, 1957, he was the only son of the four children of the late Russell and Viola (Hargrow) Best. He attended Boston Public Schools prior to entering Cathedral Grammar School and Cathedral High School, from which he was graduated in 1975.

He began his studies in the pre-med program at Boston University, but within two years he transferred to the other end of Commonwealth Avenue and began studies at St. John Seminary and, following his seminary formation there, he was ordained to the priesthood. At that time, he was the first native son of the archdiocese of Afro-American descent to have been ordained for the archdiocese in more than 25 years.

Following his ordination, he was appointed as parochial vicar at St. Patrick and St. Joseph parishes in Roxbury; 15 years later, he was appointed pastor of St. John-St. Hugh Parish in Roxbury. He thus became the first archdiocesan priest of Afro-American descent to be named a pastor in the archdiocese in over 125 years. Father Best also served briefly in the Missionary Society of St. James the Apostle in Peru.

He also served as chaplain of his alma mater, Cathedral High School, Boston, and at Matignon High School, Cambridge.

Father Best was afflicted with renal cell carcinoma, which had metastasized to his brain and eyes causing blindness. Even with limitations of his illness, he maintained an amazing spirit and calm resignation matched with a determination to keep up whatever priestly ministry he could. He was a frequent celebrant of the TV Mass on CatholicTV and the parishioners of the airwaves were in awe of him.

In recent years he was on either health leave or disability leave and was confined to Marian Manor as his physical condition diminished.

Father Best's family was effusive both in his praise, rightfully noting his faith and determination in the face of most challenging odds; but also for the outpouring of love and support from his many friends from parishes and from his CatholicTV parishioners.

Private Funeral Services were celebrated at Forest Hills Cemetery, Forest Hills, where Father Best was buried with his parents. His survivors are his siblings: Eleanor, Roxbury; Janice Waters, Randolph; and Denise, Hartford, Conn.