Garry James Short

Garry James Short joined the Lord on August 27, 2023. Born in Wisconsin on August 7, 1940, he lived for decades in Renton, Washington before moving to Delaware and then Maryland late in life to be with his only child and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Eufrosina (“Frochie” or “Chilly Chua”) Chua Short, daughter, Farrah-Marisa Chua Short, son-in-law, Imix Lucian Shish, granddaughter, Ela-Lucia Kajsa Shish (12), grandson, Anson Pax Shish (10), sister-in-law Josie de Imus, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his father, Ben Short, mother, Eleanor Thorson Wiernasz, step-father, Frank Wiernasz, sisters Sharon Gostomski and Sandra Weaver, and brothers Larry, Barry, and Tarry Short. 

He was raised a Wisconsin farm boy where he went to elementary school in a one-room school house where all his classmates were his siblings and cousins and his teacher was his Godmother.  He joined the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army after graduating from high school. He then went on to college and business school. He retired from the military division of the Boeing Airplane Company. 

He met the love of his life in Seattle shortly after she had arrived there from the Philippines.  When she returned to the Philippines, he got on a plane and followed her across the ocean. They married at San Agustin Catholic Church in Intramuros, Manila on July 8, 1973 and then moved back to Seattle. They have one daughter, an only child who they thoroughly spoiled until she had her own children and then the spoiling moved on to them. 

He was an avid reader of history and western novels, his brain was a human calculator, he loved humming birds, and he had a witty sense of humor. He cooked the best spaghetti, meatloaf, baked chicken, and leche flan. 

He was truly the kindest of souls with a deep and strong faith. Even with a failing memory in the last years of his life, his loving and happy nature always shone. He never complained about his declining health and instead tried to joke to lift the spirits of those around him. His love for his family was without limit and the void left by his passing is immense. He was so incredibly proud of his two grandchildren who were so blessed to have him live with them. 

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. 

Relatives and friends may visit on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 11:30am to 12:30pm at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Olney, MD, where a Funeral Mass will follow at 12:30pm. Interment will be at All Souls Cemetery in Germantown, MD.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

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