William Henry “Billy” Short

August 23rd, 1959 - January 11th, 2025

William Henry Short, age 65, known to all as Billy, passed from this Earth on January 11th, 2025, in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Predeceased by his parents, Donald Short & Patricia Short, his youngest brother Matthew Short, and grandnephew Tyler Shaver.

William’s spirit continues through his daughters, Megan Patricia Short, Theresa (Tia) Jean Short, grandchildren Elias & Violet Hills, his son, William (Billy) Henry Short II, and his wife Aeriel.

He is also survived by Leslie Stade (first wife) and Donna Maria Bovenzi (second wife) who he remained close with up until his death.

A die-hard fan of the New York Giants and the New York Mets, William was born and raised in Bellmore, New York.

After leaving Long Island, William lived in several places before settling in Nags Head, North Carolina with his first wife Leslie and step-daughter Daytona. In the early 1990’s, he and his second wife, Donna, created and raised their family of three children together. 

While living in Nags Head, William worked in multiple restaurants including Osprey Island Grille, Black Pelican, Tale of the Whale, Tortugas, Kill Devils, and many more, where he used his gift of cooking to help create menus and share his love of food with hundreds of people.

 William moved to Charlottesville, Virginia around 2012 to be closer to his mother and father and other family members. While living in Charlottesville, William worked for UVA as a chef for O-hill and Shea House as well as Pro Re Nata food truck.

William’s life was defined by his magnificent gift & passion for cooking, his love for music (especially punk), his love for his children and his siblings, Donald Short, Teresa Milano, Laura LaRose, & Eddie Short. He will be remembered fondly by his nieces, Kim, Casey, Nicci, & Kassidy and nephews Eric, Ian & Harry.

He will be remembered for his will to help others through numerous volunteer opportunities including Meals on Wheels and the local SPCA.

His unapologetic free spirit will be remembered by all those he touched.

He lived his life HIS way making no apologies for it and loved his family and pets with all of his heart.

Even though he may not have lived a full life, his life was FULL of living.

A memorial service will be planned in the near future to celebrate William’s life. Details of the service will be posted when arrangements are finalized.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Charlottesville ASPCA. 

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