Dr. Robert Edward Keith Short

Robert Edward Keith Short died unexpectedly on March 23, 2025, in Ohio. He was only thirty-two years old. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death.
A beloved son and partner, Robert is survived by his life partner, Jen Hewitt, mother, Helen Short, Uncles Dave Beale, John Beale, Phil Beale and Charlie Beale, Aunts Louise Beale, Roseanne Weaver, Leslie Beale, Sue Beale and Mary Beale, Cousins Sabrenia Morgan, Chris Beale, Jake Beale, Brandy Weaver, Amanda Weaver, Anna Mills, Elizabeth Dickey, Marie Lynn Hilton, Nancy Jean Beals, Lisa Ann Claud, Abby Beals and Kamikaze Lorraine McClain Michael Short, Michael Claud, Terrance Alan Keith Brewer, Christopher Michael Hosmer Wren, Timmy Beals, Kevin Beals, and Calvin Hilton.
Robert was preceded in death by his father, Alan Short, Grandfather Glenn Beale Jr., Grandmother Anne Evich Beale, Grandfather Earl Short, Grandmother Bessie Short, Grand Uncle Rev. Paul J. Evich and Uncle William Beale.
Robert was born on December 31, 1992, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and grew up in Coral Springs, Florida. Young Robert was a natural scientist and had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. During his youth, he loved camping with his Uncle Phil and Alan, and as a Cub Scout earned The Arrow of Light. Later, as a Boy Scout, he reached the rank of Life Scout. Together with Cousin Amanda, Robert was a student and volunteered for several summers at the Coral Springs Museum of Art where he learned to work in clay. As a teenager, he often spent days mountain biking with Uncle Charlie and Jake. Also, Robert enjoyed swimming, snorkeling and taught himself programming.
In 2011, Robert graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. In his senior year of high school, Robert was named a National Merit Scholar and a National AP Scholar. Robert was brilliant, quiet, curious, playful and had a great sense of humor.
Robert moved to Orlando, Florida for college and in 2015, he earned his BS in Electrical Engineering at the University of Central Florida. Then in 2018, he earned his Master of Science in Optics and Photonics. Finally, earning his Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering in 2020 with Dr. Ronald Driggers as his UCF faculty advisor. Throughout his time at UCF, Robert worked as an intern and research assistant.
As with all PhD' students they must produce original significant research. Robert's PhD research focused on target identification modeling for human observers in the infrared. According to Research Gate, Robert produced 15 research works with 72 citations.
Dr. Short continued to use his knowledge of infrared sensing systems in his career proving himself a valuable asset to any team he was part of. In 2020, he began his career at Engineering Research and Consulting in Huntsville, Alabama. In 2021, Robert moved to Melbourne, Florida and took a position as an Electro-Optics and Infrared Systems Engineer with Leonardo DRS, where he worked from 2021 to 2024, there he received an achievement award. In 2025, Robert moved to Dayton, Ohio and joined the Air Force Research Lab as an Electronics Engineer.
In graduate school at UCF, Robert met the love of his life, Jen Hewitt. Both animal lovers, especially cats, Robert and Jen, eventually adopted Oswald and Tractor. While they lived in Melbourne they enjoyed their feline friends, long walks and viewing rocket launches.
In the last couple of years, Robert enjoyed using his 3D printer to make complex gadgets. Most notably, he built a working telescope and a small drone that flew well. Robert, a certified drone pilot, often delighted his young cousins by flying drones in the house. Dr. Short also enjoyed cooking, collecting old engineering books, glass terrariums and exploring antique markets with Jen.
A visitation-gathering will be held from 2 to 4 PM Thursday, April 10, 2025, and at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 11, 2025, with a Memorial Service celebrating Robert's life following at 12:00 PM Friday, April 11, 2025. Both will be held at Roberson Funeral Home located at 2151 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte. A private inurnment will be held at Restlawn Memorial Gardens cemetery, also located in Port Charlotte.
Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel.