ELLENDALE - Robert Paynter Short Jr., of Ellendale, passed away on Friday, March 25, 2011, at Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital. He was 75. He was born in Milford, on June 17, 1935, to the late Robert and Marian Robinson Short of Ellendale. Robert graduated from Georgetown High School in 1954 where he excelled in sports, especially football and track. He also enjoyed taking Shop and participating in FFA. Then he proudly served in the National Guard. While still in high school, Robert joined his father and brothers in operating the family farm. Robert and his wife, Virginia, owned and operated Ellendale Market and Hardware from 1977 to 1995. He enjoyed greeting his customers, sharing conversations and coffee with them each day. Much of Robert's time was filled with the daily operation of the farm, an occupation he truly loved, but was never too busy to lend a helping hand to anyone. He was also a charter member of the Ellendale Ruritan Club, where he had served as past president, and was also manager of the Gravely Branch Ditch. Holiday family gatherings were always special to Robert. He always had a smile and a story to share, and if there was homemade ice cream, that made it even better. He was preceded in death by a brother, Manford Short; and sister, Doris Short Carignan and her husband, Robert. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Virginia Lee Ware Short; daughters, Anne Ranalli Ennis and her husband Jeff, Joan Short Glasco and her husband Eric, and Laura Short Beck; sons, Philip Ranalli and his wife Sue, Paul Ranalli and his wife Tracey; seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild; sisters, Frances Reed Dunlap, Thelma Folke and her husband Ronald, Etta Mills and her husband Eugene; brother, Clifford Short and his wife Linda; and several nieces and nephews. Services will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy., Harrington, where a visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday evening. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Georgetown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ellendale United Methodist Church, Ellendale, DE 19941. Arrangements are by the Melvin Funeral Home, visit www.melvinfuneralhome.com for further info, send condolences, or to send flowers.