Obituary of Edward J Short

The son of Edward Elmer Short and Lillian(Humpesch) Short, he grew up in and near Newark and Point Pleasant Beach. He played football and made lifelong friends at St. Benedicts Preparatory High School in Newark, and he supported the school and its students throughout his life. After his high school graduation in 1955, he became a United States Marine, an honor he proudly held. In the early 1960s, he began a 40-year career in commercial waterproofing, and soon became co-owner of the business. His Newark business partners and colleagues became cherished friends. He also enjoyed investing in real estate and the market and helping others do the same. He provided a secure foundation for his family, and he shared his good fortune with others.

In 1963, he married his beloved wife, Marie (Annette) O’Neill. Together, they built a close, loving family with three daughters and seven beautiful grandchildren, of whom he was immeasurably proud. Ed was a hard-working man and a devoted family man. He especially loved family vacations, notably in Florida, Hawaii and Point Pleasant Beach, where he taught his girls to swim in the ocean and play Skee-Ball on the boardwalk.

Ed did not prefer fancy things. He preferred simple pleasures -- a competitive game of cards or mini-golf, sharing a football game with his grandkids, bringing his girls to see the birth of a foal, homemade peach ice cream. Ed never turned down an ice cream cone.

Ed enjoyed breeding and racing horses. He owned many winners and a few big losers, and never tired of looking for the next good one. Cheering a horse over the finish line and celebrating at dinner with his wife Annette and friends brought him great joy. He was quick-witted and had a sense of humor that people loved.

Ed developed close relationships with and was deeply proud of his grandchildren. He cheered at each of their graduations, whether high school, college, or middle school. He taught them about financial responsibility. He enjoyed weekly Sunday dinners with them, and loved supporting their recitals, plays and sports. Trips to Hawaii with his grandchildren as they grew up over the years were a highlight of his life.

Ed is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marie A. Short (Annette), his sister Beverly Wosnitzer; three daughters, Susan Short, Barbara Short, and Carolyn Sanchez; his son-in-law John Karl, his seven grandchildren, Morgan Sanchez (Jesse Cummings), William Short, Evelyn O'Hara-Short, Kent Sanchez, Lilian O'Hara-Short, Elijah Short, and Luke Short, as well as his beloved and large extended family.

Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 2nd, 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Church, 16 Blue Mill Road, New Vernon, immediately followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 1st, 4-7 p.m. at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 South Finley Ave., Basking Ridge. Flowers can be sent to Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, or in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Center for Hope in Scotch Plains. For further information, or to leave an interview online condolence message please visit www.gcfuneralhome.com