Charles Lonnell Short

Charles Lonnell “Chuck” Short, of Rockville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Born in Washington, D.C., Chuck spent the greater part of his life in Rockville, where he built a life centered on faith, family, service, and an unwavering commitment to others. 

Chuck is survived by his loving wife of fifty-one years, Maureen O’Donnell Short; his three children, Mary Margaret Anne Reed (Andrew William Reed), Christie Anne Short, and Charles Lonnell Short Jr.; and his six cherished grandchildren, Kevin Charles Andrew, Mary Grace Anne, Hannah Margaret Therese, John Paul Joseph, Margaret Katherine Anne, and Julianne Therese Rose. Each of them will carry forward the lessons he taught not simply through his words, but through the example of his life. 

His grandchildren were a particular source of joy and pride. He cherished every moment with them, whether on trips to the beach, enjoying evening swims in his backyard oasis, serving as their professional Pop-Pop chauffeur, amateur driving instructor, extraordinary cheerleader, or standing proudly behind the grill for Sunday night family dinners. He delighted in being part of their lives and took immense pride in watching each of them grow. 

Those who knew Chuck will remember a man who believed that kindness mattered. He answered the call when others might have walked away. He never forgot the people who were easiest to forget, and he devoted much of his life to serving those in need with dignity, compassion, and generosity. 

While raising his three children, Chuck remained deeply committed to his Catholic faith, his family, and Catholic education. His professional life reflected that same dedication to service. Over the course of fifty years, he led and administered local government, private nonprofit, and faith-based programs. His career included thirteen years as a senior advisor to two Montgomery County Executives, twenty years as an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, and twenty-five years directing large direct-service agencies dedicated to serving others. 

Chuck was a beloved brother to Katherine Smith and Christine Major, and a treasured husband, father, grandfather, brother, colleague, mentor, and friend. His influence extended far beyond his immediate family. He gave generously of his time, his knowledge, his energy, and his heart, often helping others quietly and without recognition or expectation of anything in return. 

His life was a gift to his family, his friends, and his community. His legacy can be found in the people he helped, the lives he touched, and the countless acts of kindness that may never have made headlines but mattered deeply to the people who received them. 

He leaves behind a family who loves him beyond words, grandchildren who will grow up knowing the goodness he carried into the world, and countless friends who will remember him with profound admiration, gratitude, and affection. 

He gave so much of himself to others. And in doing so, he left the world a kinder place. 

May he rest in peace, knowing that his life was lived generously for others, that his love was deeply felt, and that his legacy will live on in all those he loved and served. 

Visitation at St. Raphael Catholic Church - 1513 Dunster Road, Rockville, MD 20854 - on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 10:30 am with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 am.  Private Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Chucks honor to:

Life Connection Mission, Haiti

23 Great Pebble Court, Germantown, MD 20874 or

www.lifeconnectionmission.org

Christieanne@lifeconnectionmission.org