Apr 17, 2018

Robert D. Short, 89, of Carmichaels, passed away Monday, April 16, 2018, in Washington Hospital, following a brief illness.

He was born December 15, 1928, in Aliquippa, a son of the late John and Della Short.

Deceased, in addition to his parents, are his wife, Erma M. Short, who died in 2011, and a brother, Jack Short.

Surviving are his five daughters, Janice (Karl) Baily of Waynesburg, Joan (Shirl) Ater of Mebane, N.C., Robin (Brad) Henderson of Brave, Rhonda (John) Welty of Chester Springs and Glenell (Walt) Agnolutto of Huntington, Md.; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Gwen Hines and Lucille Morris, both of Aliquippa.

He began attending University of Pittsburgh at age 16, where his scores helped the University of Pittsburgh rifle team win the William Randolph Hearst ROTC national competition.

After enlisting in the U.S. Army at 17, he served in the Signal Corps as a radio operator in Japan for 18 months. He returned to University of Pittsburgh, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering.

Following graduation, he accepted a position with RCA, from where he retired after 31 years of service. Following this, Robert was consultant for ITS for 10 years, designing transmission towers. He also authored many articles for Private Cable and Wireless Cable magazine.

Known for his love of family, Robert enjoyed piloting his airplane, hunting, traveling and boating. Always passionate about his hobbies, he enjoyed golf, snorkeling, archery and was an avid reader of books about the sciences. Up until 87, “Bicycle Bob” could be seen cycling Green River Trail in Rices Landing.

Friends will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday in Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2345 Mill Street, Aliquippa, where services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 21. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Aliquippa.

Memorial contributions may be made in Robert Short’s name to Ohio United Presbyterian Church, 1236 Longvue Avenue, Aliquippa, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.