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BORN
1931
DIED
2021
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Robert Shorter Obituary
May 11, 1931 - July 10, 2021
Dr. Robert N. (Bob) Shorter died at Salemtowne Saturday, July 10. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Cotton; his son, Geoffrey; grandson, Duncan (Elyse); granddaughter, Morgana; and great-granddaughter, Letitia Marie. Bob grew up in New Rochelle and South Salem, New York. He was educated at Union College, which maintained a special place in his heart, and received his MA and PhD at Duke. Bob taught medieval literature for 41 years at Wake Forest University, where he was chairman of the English Department for 12 years and Associate Dean of the Graduate School. Bob's special love was Chaucer, whose description of the knight in the Canterbury Tales might well have fit Bob: "he loved chivalrie/ Trouth and honor, freedom and curteisie . . . .He was a verray, parfait, gentil knyght."
A memorial will take place at 2 pm Saturday, July 17 in the Smith Saal at Salemtowne. Memorial gifts can be made to Wake Forest University, or to the Union Fund, 807 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12308.
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Memories and Condolences
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2 Entries
Mickey Sprinkle
July 8, 2025
Geof, I know it is hard to loss a love one and it is great you are keeping his memories so close to your heart. Love you
Mickey Sprinkle
July 14, 2021
Geoff I am so sorry to hear of your lose. I know how hard it is to lose someone you love. I lost Mike 6 years ago. God Bless you and your family. Love Always Mickey
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