Leo A. Short Sr. 81, a long time resident of Swanzey died on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at Applewood Rehabilitation Center in Winchester. He passed peacefully, while sleeping, after a period of declining health.
Leo was born the son of the late Emma (Lapitre) and Leo Short on May 17, 1934 in Keene. He was educated locally and graduated from Cutler School class of 1948.
On February 23, 1952 he exchanged vows with Betty I. Caulkins at the West Swanzey Community Church. They were married with family and friends in attendance and have been married for sixty four years.
Leo worked at the Homestead Woolen Mill in West Swanzey for many years as a machine operator until his retirement in 1994. Prior to that, he had worked at the Ashuelot Paper Mill in Ashuelot and Grampys Grade Stakes and Holman Landscape Materials both in Fitzwilliam.
Leo had many interests. He enjoyed working on cars and motorcycles, country music, cutting hair and was very handy in house repairs. He also liked to get out on his motorcycle and enjoy the countryside. For quiet time you could find him cultivating his vegetable gardens. He loved to be surrounded by his family and friends, he wore many hats as; Leo, Snowball, Dad, Gramp, Pappa, Pops and many facial expressions, especially in photos. He loved to make people laugh. With his wife and five children he enjoyed camping at Salisbury Beach, Swanzey Lake and going to many, many amusement parks. E enjoyed the home hosted holiday dinners throughout the years at their home in Swanzey for the ever expanding family and friends, as well as travel with Bet to Niagara Falls, CA. Phoenix, AZ. and a Caribbean cruise abord the Carnival Cruise Lines.
Mr. Short is survived by his wife, Betty I. Short of Swanzey. His children; Judith M. Waples and her husband Douglas of Soldier, IA. Leo A. Short Jr. of Swanzey, Debbie A. Holman and her husband John of Fitzwilliam and Michael R. Short and his partner Shiela Farrell of Swanzey. His sister, Alice Patterson and her husband James of Winchester. Eight grandchildren; Brian Kellogg and his wife Ydzia of Surry, Kimberly Naras and her husband Ed of Shrewsbury, MA. Scott Kellogg and his wife Cheri of Weathersfield, VT., Ana Waples of Soldier, IA, Chad Short and his wife Kelly of Concord, Angela Berry and her husband Jay of Worcester, MA. Christopher Holman of Fitzwilliam and Heidi Holman and her husband Rob Nute of Warner. In addition, he leaves twelve great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Leo is pre-deceased by his son David M. Short who passed in 1981 and his siblings; Mary Davis, Robert Short, John Short, and Kenneth Short all passed earlier.
In keeping with Leos wishes there are no calling hours. A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, May 15, 2016 at 3pm. in the funeral chapel. Burial will take place later. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However the family would prefer donations be made in memory of Leo A. Short to: Whitcomb Hall, C/O Town of Swanzey, 620 Old Homestead HWY, Swanzey, NH. 03446. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com.
