Peter Whiteman Shortell

1954 - 2025

Peter Whiteman Shortell

October 30, 1954 - January 2, 2025

Peter Whiteman Shortell passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Born on October 30, 1954, in Troy, N.Y., to Nancy (Whiteman) and Frank Carpenter Shortell, Peter grew up in Queensbury, N.Y. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1972 and later received degrees from SUNY Cobleskill and Northwood University.

Peter was 16 when he began a career at Whiteman Chevrolet in Glens Falls that would span more than four decades, eventually leading the dealership's service department. No customer concern was too small, and no request was too burdensome. He made sure that the customer left satisfied and built a loyal base of customers, many of whom became friends over the years, helping the dealership earn its reputation as the "home of fair dealing and friendly service."

Peter cherished time with family and friends, particularly on Lake George. He loved sunsets on the lake, boating around the "Narrows" in his Boston Whaler, and sharing his passion for the lake's geography and history.

His love of music brought him to countless concerts, including the legendary Summer Jam at Watkins Glen in 1973. A lifelong Bruce Springsteen fan, Peter saw "The Boss" in concert more than a dozen times, including his most recent stop in Albany in April 2024.

Although Peter lived with multiple sclerosis for nearly five decades, he did not let his illness define him. His friends affectionately called Peter the "activities director," a title he earned for scheduling monthly card games with his Tiki Bar crew and arranging trips to Fenway Park to see his beloved New York Yankees play. He appreciated the away game in Boston because he loved the history of the stadium and the city.

In addition to the Yankees, Peter was devoted to the Syracuse Orange and a long-suffering fan of the New York Jets until finally giving up on them this past season (Let's Go Buffalo!). Peter was an early adopter of fantasy sports, running a rotisserie baseball league in the early nineties when statistics were tracked by hand, and trades were made over the phone. In recent years, Peter took few responsibilities more seriously than serving as commissioner of his fantasy football league, the Tiki Bar Boys.

Peter is predeceased by his father, Frank; brother-in-law; Harry M. Olsen III; cousin; Thomas (TC) Farnan; and beloved partner of many years, Martha "Marty" Griffin, with whom he forged a bond built on optimism and humor. Peter and Marty had a unique ability to turn any limitation into something positive, and you would be hard-pressed to remember a complaint from either.

Peter is survived by his mother, Nancy, of Lake George; his sister, Sarah Olsen of Wesley Chapel, Fla.; his uncle, Robert Whiteman (Rita) of Pilot Knob; his sons, Sean (Monica) of Burnt Hills and Lee (Brianna) of Maryland; and eight grandchildren, Sam and Luke of Burnt Hills, and Jacob, Jameson, Josiah, Guinevere, Tristan, and Andrew of Maryland.

His family brought him immense joy, particularly as he grew into the role of "Poppy," a title he cherished. At a family reunion this summer, Peter was wearing a grin from ear to ear as he took in the chaos and noise of seven grandchildren racing around the pool.

Peter also leaves behind three beloved nieces and nephews, Harry (Linsee), Grace, and Anna (Kyle Klug) Olsen, all of Florida, and several cousins and second cousins from the Whiteman and Farnan families, all of whom he cherished deeply.

Peter was unfailingly kind, humorous, and a curious spirit. He was quick with a funny quip and loved mischief and adventure. In his later years, he found joy in living vicariously through the stories of hijinks and adventures shared by his sons, grandchildren, and friends.

In the last year of his life, Peter found comfort in simple pleasures, like a coffee milkshake from Stewart's and the latest edition of The Chronicle, which his mother, Nancy, faithfully delivered each week during her visits at Wesley Health Care Community in Saratoga Springs.

The exceptional care at Wesley enabled Peter to celebrate many significant milestones over the past year, including a family wedding, the birth of his eighth grandchild (Luke), and Thanksgiving and Christmas at Sean and Monica's home in Burnt Hills.

The family would like to thank and recognize Peter's many selfless caregivers, Vickie and Janelle, who served Peter and Marty while Peter was still living at home, and the countless professionals at Wesley, all of whom sustained Peter with compassionate care, good humor, and friendship.

A Celebration of Peter's Life will be held in the spring, with details to be announced in the coming months. The family is encouraging donations in memory of Peter Shortell to support the incredible team at Wesley, which can be made via their website or by mail at The Wesley Foundation, 131 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866.

Peter will be missed, but his legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the friends and family he loved deeply. Remember Peter's kindness and positive attitude and pass that kindness forward to make someone else's day just a bit easier.

Arrangements are in the care of M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home 136 Main St. South Glens Falls, N.Y. 12803. To post online condolences please visit kilmerfuneralhome.com.