Ralph Dale Short, proud veteran, farmer
Ralph Dale Short of Gumboro passed at his home Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, surrounded by his family. Ralph was born in Gumboro March 31, 1939, to the late Earl P. Short and Violet Short of Gumboro. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Evelyn A. Short; his son, Ronald D. Short (Gail) of Gumboro; his three grandchildren, Jennifer V. Schwerin (Kenneth D. III) of Selbyville, Cassandra A. Brosnahan (Eric) of Gumboro, and Randy D. Short (Jessica) of Gumboro; and four great-grandchildren, Kenneth D. Schwerin IV, Kaleb D. Schwerin, Emma G. Brosnahan and Liam B. Brosnahan. He also leaves behind his brother, Carl L. Short (Hannah) of Gumboro; his niece, Teri Hastings (Clay), and her son Collin Hastings of Gumboro; his sister-in-law, Jeanette Graves, brother-in-law, Everett L. (Jake) Truitt (Lois); and sister-in-law Rose DiTondo (Michael).
Ralph was born and passed away in the same home in Gumboro. He served in the Delaware National Guard from 1960-64, when he was honorably discharged. Ralph was in the first National Guard vehicle to enter Fenwick Island during the nor’easter Storm of ‘62.
Ralph was passionate about farming on his family’s farm with his wife Evelyn, where they grew and produced poultry and grain for decades. He also worked for Collins & Ryan and DuPont Nylon Factory.
Ralph enjoyed attending local auctions, watching baseball, football and NASCAR, and riding his tractors. In his younger years, he enjoyed camping with his family on Assateague Island. His favorite things in the world were Christmas morning, spending time with his family, and his small hometown, Gumboro.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 30, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St, Millsboro, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Ralph’s memory to Gumboro Community Center, 28649 Millsboro Hwy., Millsboro, DE 19966.
Visit Ralph’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at watsonfh.com.
