Published in the August 11, 2017 edition
PEABODY — Raymond Short, 80, a seven-year resident of Brooksby Village in Peabody, and former resident of Melrose and Holliston, passed into eternal life on July 7, 2017 at his residence following a lengthy struggle against Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Disease.
Ray was born on September 15, 1936 in New York City, and was the eldest child of the late Joanna (Quigley) Short and Joseph V. Short. Ray grew up in the New York and New Jersey area until the family relocated to the United Kingdom in 1950. He attended high school there and, upon graduation, enlisted in the Army.
Ray was stationed in Germany with the 10th Mountain Division. After his service, he enrolled at the University of Connecticut graduating with a degree in business in 1962. While at UConn, Ray met Marilyn Tuller who would become his wife, and they were married June 9, 1962. Ray worked at Proctor and Gamble for four years as a sales representative in metro NYC. In 1966, he joined Allyn and Bacon publishing, where he would stay for the remainder of his career retiring in 1998. During his tenure there, Ray occupied a number of sales, sales management, and editorial roles. He enjoyed his work, and made some lifelong friends while there.
Upon retirement, Ray and his wife became full-time grandparents, and traveled extensively in North America and Europe. They also spent part of their winters on Estero Island in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Ray enjoyed running, exercise, music, reading, tackling the “honey do” list, and attending his children and later grandchildren’s activities. For the last 20 years of his life, he loved being known as Papa, and was thrilled to share his name with his grandson.
Ray joins his beloved wife of 50 years, Marilyn (Tuller) Short, who passed in 2012. He was the devoted father of Leslie Adams of Wilmington, North Carolina; and Daniel G. Short and his wife Patricia of Melrose. He was the loving Papa to Matthew Short and Michaela Short, both of Melrose. Ray leaves two sisters Constance Short of Clinton, Connecticut; and Kathleen Fox and her husband Parker of Branford, Connecticut. He was preceded in death by his sister, Judith Short.
Ray’s family would like to thank his caregivers over these last years, particularly the staff at Brooksby Village, Care Dimensions Hospice and Home Instead Senior Care. The family is particularly grateful to Donna Dolliver, who was wonderful to Dad these last six years.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Celebration of Ray’s life Saturday August 26. 2017. The service will take place at 3 p.m. in the Garden Room at Braeburn Gardens, 400 Brooksby Village Drive, Peabody. His interment will follow the ceremony in Lake Grove Cemetery in Holliston. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ray’s name may be made to National Parkinson’s Foundation National Parkinson Foundation (www.parkinsons.org) 200 SE 1st Street Suite 800 Miami, FL 33131; or Care Dimensions Hospice (www.caredimensions.org) Ste. B-102, 75 Sylvan St, Danvers, MA 01923.
For guestbook or condolences go to www.lyonsfuneral.com
