Alvin "Gene" Eugene Shorter

Rising Sun - Alvin Eugene (Gene) Shorter, 84, of Rising Sun, Maryland, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026.

Gene was born on April 27, 1942, in Martinsville, Virginia. He grew up in Martinsville and Newport News, Virginia, and Rising Sun, Maryland. He met the love of his life, Sandra (Touchton) Shorter, in Rising Sun. They were high school sweethearts and shared a wonderful 64-year marriage.

After high school, in September 1960, Gene began working for Conowingo Power Company (COPCO) as an apprentice lineman. Due to his unyielding work ethic, he was promoted to lineman, foreman, and eventually retired as Assistant District Supervisor. He worked for COPCO for 34 years and retired in 1994. After retiring, Gene worked an additional 10 years as a lineman for NBEW.

Gene was known for his strong work ethic, deep love of family, and willingness to open his home to family, friends, and anyone in need of a helping hand. He had a passion for gardening, crabbing (with his lifelong friend Harold and Harold's son, Andy), and fishing with Sandy and anyone else who wanted to join on their boat while wintering in the Florida Keys. Most of all, Gene loved being "Grampaw", "PawPaw", or "Old PawPaw" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether it was camping, going for ice cream or candy with the boys, or taking the girls to get their "Topsail outfits," he treasured time with them, and they cherished every moment with him.

Gene is survived by his wife, Sandy; three children, Kevin Shorter and his wife, Sherri; Kimberly Eubanks and her husband, Sean; and Keith Shorter and his wife, Heidi; nine grandchildren, Brad Brandenburg, Luke Bro-dak, Nick Brodak, Kaylee Shorter, Jake Shorter, Thomas Shorter, Abbie Shorter, Karli Eubanks, and Brynne Buhanks; four great-grandchildren, Jessie Brandenburg, Lily Brandenburg, Jude VanDette, and Stella Shorter; and his brother, Royal ("Pete") Shorter and his wife, Freda.

Gene was preceded in death by his father, Royal Shorter; his mother, Stella Shorter West; his brother, Jim Shorter; his sisters, Stella Mac Lotman and Donna Holbrook; and his grand-daughter, Lexi Brodak.

A memorial service to celebrate Gene's life will be held for immediate family at a future date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice & Community Care (The E.E. Manny Murray Center), 4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy, PA 17552, or online at https://www.hospiceandcommunitycare.org/in-honor-in-memory-gifts/, or to a charity of your choice.

Grampaw, PawPaw, Old PawPaw, Dad, Gene-whatever name you knew him by, meant something special to everyone lucky enough to love him. We will miss him every day, but his love and the memories we shared will stay with us always.