Thomas J. Short

Burlington – Mr. Thomas J. Short, formerly of Waltham, died at home on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. He was 86. 

Thomas was born December 10, 1937 in Somerville a son of the late Thomas J. and Alice (Hardy) Short and was raised by his step-mother Olga (Bavota) Short. He was a graduate of Medford High School with the class of 1952. He was an honorable veteran of the United States Army during the Korean War

He married Janice E. Engelsen on June 23, 1962 in Saint James Episcopal Church in Cambridge. Longtime Waltham residents since 1977 they moved to Stonebridge at Burlington Assisted Living in 2023.

Tom was a longtime letter carrier for over 33 years with the United States Postal Service in Waltham, retiring in 2004. 

Tom enjoyed membership and the friendships from the Arlington Men’s Retirees, Shriners Aleppo Lodge in Wilmington and was a skilled tambourine player in the Oriental Band of The Shriners. Tom was also a devoted 32 degree Freemason.

His favorite activities were gardening, bird watching and playing cards. Tom loved spending time with family and was a fun-loving person. He enjoyed joking around with everyone and dancing. 

In addition to his beloved wife of 61 years, Janice, he leaves his daughter, Heather J. Bertolami and her husband, Carl of Milford, New Hampshire; his two grandchildren, Dante and Zoe Bertolami; his step-siblings, Kenneth Short of Quincy, Rita Taylor of Weymouth and the late Joseph Caggiano; many nieces & nephews. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Tom’s life by gathering at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Bourne on Thursday, April 18^th where his graveside memorial service will be held at 1:15 p.m. There are no calling hours. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Aleppo Shriners https://alepposhriners.com/