Wayne E Short

Wayne Edward Short, 85, of Renovo, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at his home on November 27, 2025. Born October 2, 1940, at Renovo Hospital to Edward B. Short and Mildred L. Lundfelt, Wayne lived a life of service, dedication, and love for his family and community.

Wayne graduated from Renovo High School in 1958 and went on to earn a B.S. in Education from Lock Haven State University in 1963, followed by an M.S. in Education from Geneseo State University of New York in 1967. He pursued additional graduate work at Penn State University and Indiana Wesleyan University, amassing over 60 credits beyond his master's degree. His passion for education shaped his career as a Special Education Teacher for more than three decades, serving first with the Clinton County Board of Education and later with the Keystone Central School District until his retirement in 1996. While teaching, he was a P.I.A.A. Basketball Official from 1965-1981.

On December 17, 1966, Wayne married Marilyn Jean Rathmell at Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Renovo, beginning a partnership that spanned nearly six decades. Together they raised two children: Wayne Edward Short II (Linda) of Woolrich, PA, and Kaily Jean Koyack (James) of Palmyra, PA. He was a proud grandfather to Makenna Jean Koyack, Cade Edward Koyack, and Emily Short.

Wayne's devotion to his community was evident in his many roles: Assistant Physical Education Director at the Renovo YMCA, summer lifeguard and recreation supervisor, Head Start teacher, and Mayor of Renovo from 1990 to 1997. He gave tirelessly of his time through countless organizations, including the Renovo Area Lions, Kiwanis Club, Jaycees, Renovo Planning Commission, Renovo Community Trade Association, Renovo Fire Department, and Renovo Library Board of Directors. A lifelong member of Renovo Lodge #495 F. & A.M., Wayne served in numerous leadership roles and remained Treasurer for decades. He was also active in the Williamsport Scottish Rite Consistory, Jaffa Temple, and Sigma Pi National Fraternity.

A member of Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wayne served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer. He also attended Shintown and North Bend Methodist Churches. He shared his love of music with the Renovo Area Community Choir and supported countless community celebrations, including Renovo's 125th and 150th anniversaries, the Flaming Foliage Festival, and the Community Christmas Fund.

Wayne's interests extended to genealogy, coin collecting, and Matchbox cars of Yesteryear. He was also a published author, preserving the history of his beloved hometown through three volumes of History of Renovo, Pennsylvania, covering the years 1866–1975.

Wayne will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to education, his leadership in civic life, his generosity of spirit, and his deep love for family and community. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched as a teacher, mentor, public servant, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

A Memorial Service for Wayne Edward Short will be held at 11:00AM Saturday, December 6th, 2025 in the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1100 Huron Ave, Renovo, PA 17764 with Reverend Harold Rinker officiating. A Masonic Service will be held at 10:45AM. Friends and family will be received in the church from 10:15AM until time of service.

He will be laid to rest at North Bend Cemetery, Chapman Township, Clinton County, PA.

Funeral Services are under the direction of Gedon Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, LLC 121 West Main Street, Lock Haven, PA.

Online thoughts and memories may be made at the Gedon Funeral Homes Facebook page or on the website at www.GedonFuneralHomes.com