June 26, 1941 – October 14, 2026
Patricia Dillon Short, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2026, at age 85 after a long illness.
Born June 26, 1941, in Astoria, Queens, New York, to Patricia and Vincent Dillon. The family later moved to Huntington Long Island, New York, where Patricia grew up.
Patricia married William H. Short III on April 9, 1961. Their marriage of more than 65 years was grounded in family, loyalty, and enduring love.
In July 1979, they made Sarasota, Florida, their home, where Patricia enjoyed a distinguished career as a real estate broker. She earned the respect of colleagues and clients. She served in several leadership roles for local, state, and national real estate organizations throughout her 40-year career. Patricia was designated as REALTOR® Emeritus, recognizing long-term dedication and service to the National Association of REALTORS®
Above all, Patricia’s greatest joy was her family. She made people feel comfortable and cared for, brought warmth to ordinary days, and created cherished traditions that made holidays and gatherings meaningful. She was a devoted wife, a steady presence for her children, and a proud grandmother whose love was expressed through time, care, and attention.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Patricia and Vincent Dillon, and her sister, Noel Dillon. She is survived by her husband, William H. Short III; her siblings, Karolyn Dillon and Vincent Dillon; her children, Deborah Short Menendez (Todd Menendez), Pamela Short Jenkins (Wayne Rose), and William H. Short IV; her grandchildren, Erika Jones (Robert Jones), Hannah Menendez, Connor Jenkins, Catherine Jenkins, Sierra Short, and Olivia Short; and her great-granddaughter, Miller Elizabeth Jones, daughter of Erika and Robert; and many beloved nieces, nephews, sisters-in-laws and brother-in-law.
Patricia loved traveling with her husband, cruising to Alaska, South Pacific and the Caribbean, and traveling throughout Europe and China. She treasured the people they met, the cultures they experienced, and the memories they made together
Patricia leaves a lasting example of how to live with grace, serve with purpose, and love. Her professional integrity, devotion to family, and quiet generosity will endure the traditions she created, the values she modeled, and the lives she touched.
Visitation: Sunday, November 8th from 2pm -5pm at Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center, 7454 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 3423.
Funeral Mass: Monday, November 9th at 1:00 p.m.
Incarnation Catholic Church, 2929 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34239.
Interment to follow Mass at Sarasota Memorial Park,
5833 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231.
Reception will follow
.
Expressions of Sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Dementia Society of America in Memory of Patricia D Short.
