Joseph F. Shortall, Jr.

Joseph F. Shortall Jr.  of Denton, MD passed away on Sunday, April 21st, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.  Joe was 82 years old. 

Born in Ridgely, MD on June 15, 1941, Joe was the son of the late Joseph Shortall Sr. and Nellie Shortall.  His loving wife, Connie Stoops Shortall, passed away on March 16th, 2018. 

Joe was raised in “The Heights” in Centreville, Maryland.  Joe graduated from Centreville High School in 1959.  He married Connie Stoops on November 4, 1961.  Joe worked for the State of Maryland at “The Lab” in Easton for 36 years.   Joe was involved with everything his kids and grandkids were into.  From 4H to sports and marching band, he and Connie were always in attendance.  Joe had a love of “O” Gauge Lionel Trains.  He went to every train show in Maryland and had a very large train layout and train collection in his converted garage.

Joe was a life member of the Queen Anne Hillsboro volunteer Fire Company where he served as Chief for many years.  He was also a past president of the Talbot County Fireman’s Association.  He served as President for Home Run Baker Little League while both his sons played Little League baseball.  He was a member of the Delmarva Train People club.

Joe was a skilled wood worker and duck carver.  He enjoyed attending Craft Shows and the Waterfowl Festival with Connie to sell their creations.  Joe also loved to fish and started both Bret and Bart in their lifelong passion for fishing.  Joe was always busy as he had many, many hobbies. He also loved spending time in Florida camping with Connie.

Joe is survived by two sons and their spouses: Bret Shortall (Jennifer) of Denton, and Bart Shortall (Angie) of Denton. Four grandchildren: Alyssa Passwaters (Keith), Brady Shortall, Megan Kosick (Joe), and Emily Shortall, and one great-grandchild Everly Passwaters.  “Junior” as he was lovingly referred to by his siblings, is also survived by two brothers: Ronnie Shortall (Donna) and Phil Shortall, his sister Alicia Wharton (Eric), and his sister-in-law Barbara Stoops.  Surviving nieces and nephews are Ron Jr., Dawn, Jan, J.P., Loren, Allison, Chris, EJ, Kyle, and Ryan.  He is predeceased by his parents, his wife Connie, a sister Andrea Shortall, two nieces: Amy Stoops Rhodes and Joelle Wharton, and his brother-in-law Butch Stoops.

The family would like to thank Joe’s long-time neighbors, Wayne and Wendy Moore, and “Big Bill” Bosserman, and friend Buddy Jarrell for all their care and concern over the years for our mom and dad.  The family also thanks the Rehab Team at Caroline Nursing Home and Compass Hospice for their compassion and encouragement during this difficult time.

Memorial donations in Joe’s name can be made to Amy’s Army, PO Box 171, Queenstown, MD 21658 or by visiting their website at www.amysarmymd.org

Memorial services will be Saturday, May 4, 2024, 11AM at Moore Funeral Home, P.A. 12 S. 2nd St. in Denton. Friends may visit with the family from 10-11 before the service. Interment will be private.

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