Michael Martin (Mike) Short, 71, of Waynesboro, PA passed away on March 19, 2025, at home.
Born on July 31, 1953, in Bryn Mawr, PA; Mike was the son of the late Ralph and Elvia (Hansell) Short.
He was a beloved husband, father, and friend.
Mike is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Marianne, his adored children, Aislinn and Marco, Conor and Juli, and Fiona, as well as his brothers Vince (Helen), Tony, Ed (Dee), sisters Sara (Charlie), Rosemary (Michael), sister-in-law Christine, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cherished dog Mugsy. Mike is also survived by his treasured in-laws Theresa and Matt Clarke, John Williams, Mike and Mary Williams, Jean Williams and Elan Melamed, and Matt Williams.
Mike is preceded in death by his much-loved brother John, sister-in-law Marlene, and dog Moe.
Mike was a proud veteran, master chess player and instructor, and renowned published author, as well as an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He served as a defense contractor with the Federal Government for over 30 years, retiring in 2016.
Aside from his family, Mike was passionate about history, golf, Civil War history, playing the drums, Western American history, chess, World War 2 history, and dad jokes. His warm heart, quick wit, infectious laugh, and dedication to family and friends will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, 50 S. Broad St., Waynesboro.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in St. Andrew Catholic Church, 12 N. Broad St., Waynesboro with the Rev. Christopher Onyeneke, MSSCC officiating.
Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday in Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA. All are welcome to attend.
Mike’s family takes comfort in the knowledge that his love, wisdom, and kindness will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Mike’s favorite dad joke: Have you ever noticed that when geese fly south, they fly in a V formation? Did you ever notice that one side is longer than the other? Do you know why? Because there are more geese on that side…
And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Online condolences may be expressed at the funeral home’s website.
