Gerald Edward Short

Born February 19, 1925 in Fresno to Reuben and Queena (Deeter) Short, Jerry graduated from Chowchilla High School, and served in the Navy during World War Il in the South Pacific. After the war, he attended Fresno State College where he met the love of his life - Celia Pierini - and they married in 1947.

Following a brief stint with Coca-Cola, Jerry went to work for the Fresno Bee selling classifiec ads. He later became the promotions manager, and in 1967 moved his family to Modesto, where he accepted the position of advertising manager for the Modesto Bee. Jerry retired from the Bee in 1988 after 35 years of service to McClatchy Newspapers.

Along with his wife, Celia, Jerry was instrumental in organizing all aspects of the annual Greater Kiwanis Club of Modesto Junior Miss program. In addition to being a Kiwanian for over 50 years - and serving as president of his Kiwanis Club for several years - Jerry was very proud of his "secret recipe" for cioppino for his Club's annual Crab Cioppino Feed. He worked tirelessly every year physically preparing this delicious dish!

For the last several years, Jerry had resided at The Park at Modesto, where he was excited to be the first person to apply for residency, and one of the first residents to move in. He quickly became the "ambassador", gladly helping new residents with any questions they might have about the Park. Jerry was most proud of originating the Employee Appreciation Fund, to show the Park residents's thanks to the Park's employees. He also recently donated a gazebo on the facility grounds for all the residents to enjoy.

Jerry was preceded in death by Celia, his wife of 64 years. He will be greatly missed by his children, Michael (Diana) Short of Sonoma, Michele (John) Silva of Modesto, and Mark (Vicki) Short of Oakdale. Jerry also leaves behind 6 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored.

Private family services will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alexander Cohen Hospice House, to which the family is grateful for their kind and compassionate care.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakewoodHughson.com for the Short family.