Obituaries

Roland Nathaniel Shorter, 73

March 03, 2025

Roland Nathaniel Shorter, was born and raised in Washington, DC, to Richard Shorter III and Rosa Broadus. In his younger years, Roland was an avid tennis player, and while in High School, proudly earned the Washington DC Tennis Championship. He graduated from Bell Vocational High School, in Washington DC, where he was introduced to the technical skills that he used for a lifetime of service, handiwork, and repair.

Following high school, Roland moved to Florida where he committed two years of his life to volunteer service through the Mennonite Church. During this time, he met his wife, Esther (Weaver) Shorter, who was involved in the same volunteer service project.

Roland was most proud of two things: his marriage and his family. Roland was a faithful and committed husband who proudly celebrated 52 years of marriage on February 3rd, 2025. From this union, Roland has 3 children: Brian, Valerie, and Nathan, and 2 daughters-in-law, Christina and Sophia. In addition to his children, Roland has 7 grandchildren who lovingly refer to him as “Old Pa,”: Tamari, Kiran, Hudson, Vivienne, Sophia, Aubrey and Jack Roland, as well as siblings: Lorraine, Margo, Stephanie, Constance, Francine, Richard IV, Marion, Vanessa and Marlo, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is a proud member of the Shorter family and was committed to keeping the legacy of the Richard Shorter family line alive through his membership in the Shorter Family History Committee. He was preceded in death by his parents: Richard Shorter III and Rosa Broadus, his siblings: Sylvester Shorter, Lorraine Shorter (sister-in-law) and William Shorter.

Roland dedicated 42 years working at UGI Utilities and retired as a N.A.C.E. Certified Senior Corrosion Control Technician. During retirement, Roland remained committed to his life of service by volunteering on church committees, family committees, helping friends and families with home, car and business repairs, and driving bus for Willow Valley and Tandem Living Retirement Communities.

Over the years, Roland served on several Boards and committees. He and his wife helped create and produce a children’s TV show, called Friendship Company, which aired through ACTV in Reading, PA in the early 1980’s. He loved vacationing with family, always having his phone ready to take pictures. He loved music, played the guitar and led worship in a previous church he attended. He genuinely loved people, never meeting a stranger. He shared his faith in very practical ways, freely lending a hand to help someone in need. He loved debating issues and lively discussions. At the time of his death, he was an active member of Bright Side Baptist Church in Lancaster PA.

Roland was struck with a sudden and devastating diagnosis in December 2024. Despite the hardships that he endured during the diagnosis, Roland remained steadfast in his faith, endurance, positive outlook, and his desire to brighten other people’s day with his quirky sense of humor. It was during this time that Roland decided to dedicate his body to ongoing research so that his life would continue to impact other people who might also face this devastating disease. Although Roland is no longer with us, his life will continue to impact others by helping to support a cure to save others. To partner with Roland in his efforts, the family is asking that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Roland’s name to Humanity Gifts Registry, www.hgrpa.org/. Donations can be made by check, payable to “Humanity Gifts Registry” and sent to: P.O. Box 835, Philadelphia, PA 19105-0835. Please make sure to include Roland’s name as the person your donation is memorializing. Please call Humanity Gifts Registry at 215-922-4440 for more information.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Bright Side Baptist Church, 515 Hershey Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603. The family will receive guests beginning at 10:00 AM. The service will begin at 11:00 AM.

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Condolences to the Family

March 29, 2025

I learned to know Roland during the early days when he and Esther lived in the Reading, PA area. I invited Roland to join me with his excellent voice and guitar, in music ministry with the men living at Freedom Gate. His love for the Lord and others was an evident gift I always appreciated. Though our lives went in different directions geographically, I always considered him a valued friend and eager for conversation whenever we met. My prayers are with the family as you “Grieve & Celebrate”! Blessings of Hope! James R. Martin

March 13, 2025

I feel so blessed to have met Roland. He was always such a thoughtful and caring man. He provided so much laughter on the Tandem Living bus trips. It was obvious he adored his family by the way he told us about you. He definitely will be missed. My prayers are with the family.
Barb Brooks

March 13, 2025

My brother Roland you Will be greatly missed the Big gracious laugh and a smile thst could light up a room ur impact on peoples lives is way more then what words can explain thank you fr inspiring greatness to all those who truly knew you may you rest in peace prayers and comfort to the family
anthony gray

March 12, 2025

Dear Esther & family,
We are so sorry to hear of Roland’s passing, while we also do know he is rejoicing in heaven. We can still remember him leading worship at S. Christian St. and how he had such a way of reaching out to everyone around him, bringing them smiles and a feeling of being valued. We know he will be greatly missed by so many. We are praying for the whole family! May the Lord be very near to you all. –Dennis & Jill Wanga

March 12, 2025

Roland was SO special to many of us at Woodcrest Villa . Full of JOY & smiles 🙂 . Driving us on a rural country road , he stopped the bus , waiting for two very young children to finish checking their mail box , and getting off the road . A short while later , he again adjusted his driving , to let a farmer with a large load pass safely in the opposite direction . Always courteous & conversational , and praising the wonderful lunches his wife sent along with him on these day trips . He is missed !!! Ned & Kirsten Bishop

March 11, 2025

Dear Cuz RIP. I know we didn’t see each other often enough but know that I loved you, we’ll see each other on the other side! Cousin Billy

March 10, 2025

Our hearts are so sad over the loss of Roland. We got to know him through Woodcrest. He took us to many events and was always so courteous and kind to us. Words can not express how much we will miss him and want to share our sincerest condolences on your loss. May God continue to wrap his arms around you and lift you up. God be with you.
Ron & Bev Brubaker

March 10, 2025

Esther, I saw the news of Roland’s passing. I extend my sympathy. Although we haven’t met for many years, I recall our friendship and attending your and Roland’s wedding. Look to the Lord to carry you through this loss. I walked a similar journey.

~Verna (Sensenig) Martin Hahn

March 10, 2025

To My dear friend, Esther & Family,
My sincere condolences to you all! I appreciated Roland with the utmost respect!! He was truly a man of God!! He was so thoughtful, loving and kind to Esther and his family! He will be sadly missed! When the group would all get together, he was so much fun and added a lot of humor to us all.
You are all so fortunate to have many precious memories of your husband Esther and also unforgettable moments and memories you children will cherish forever!! May God richly Bless you all and may God hold you tenderly in His loving arms! Lovingly, Kathy Kennel

March 10, 2025

I had the absolute pleasure of working with Roland at Tandem Living – at Woodcrest Villa. I was able to go along on a couple of resident trips where Roland was our driver. And every day that he worked on the shuttle, he would come to my desk for mail pickup, and call me for resident pickups. He was always quick with a smile and something funny to say to make me laugh. May his memory be eternal and I pray for your comfort. His legacy will live on.
Jennifer Wilson

March 10, 2025

My deepest sympathies to Esther and the Shorter families. I had the pleasure of working with Roland during his career at UGI. Roland had a gift of conversation and enjoyed talking to everyone he met at work. He always had a positive life attitude and it showed in his conversations.
RIP Roland. Your legacy will live on in everyone’s memories.
Clair Kreider Jr. UGI retiree

March 10, 2025

Esther, we are so grateful to have known Roland. He would have done anything for you. We were at Christ the King when you attended there. We pray for God’s comfort and love to surround you as you grieve his home going. What a quiet but caring man to others. May you sense God’s arms around you.

Steve and Mary Liz Youtz

March 10, 2025

To know Roland was to know a man of honor, faith, and humor. A favorite memory of Roland was from when he lived with our family as a young man during orientation for Voluntary Service. We had a dog puppet, and Roland brought it alive with his expressive voice and gestures, to howls of laughter from the siblings. I remember listening in as Roland and my parents talked about life, relationships, and faith, and rejoicing as Roland brought Esther to meet us. In later years I turned to him for advice and discussion on all of these topics. How good of God to enhance the world with the life of Roland. Prayers of comfort for his family.
Ann Shenk Wenger

March 09, 2025

Esther & Children,
Very sorry to hear of your recent loss in Rol’s passing. We have a lot of good memories of the time he spent with us, Harold & Barbara Shenk and children, when he first came to Lancaster.
One Summer morning he took me to McDonald’s for my first-ever Big Mac. I’m not sure any since then have measured up to that first.
And then a gap of years till we met at a niece’s wedding reception when, as I remember, one of you guys did delightful DJ work.
Sorry, again, to hear of this sudden change & loss. Rol was a special & accomplished Lord’s man. We wish you God’s special touch in these next days and weeks.
Love, John Shenk

March 09, 2025

I was a student of Roland when I started out in corrosion. He taught me so much. The white board was a rainbow of colors filled with numbers, formulas, and diagrams. It was overwhelming at times, but I truly appreciate everything he instilled into me. I am a better technician today because of him. I can never forget Roland and the time he spent with me. Michael Pearson
My condolences to the Shorter family
Michael Pearson

March 09, 2025

To the family….how upset I was to hear of Roland’s passing. I met him as a driver for Tandem Living and he was a true gentleman. He was a kind, loving person who treated us with such kindness. I particularly remember the one trip when he drove us to ride the train/bike trail. We had such a good time, especially when he joined us for our meal. You were blest with a great man, as he shared stories about his family with us. Peace to each of you at this difficult time.
Peggy Hanzelman

March 09, 2025

I and my family first met Roland at South Christian St. Mennonite Church when he greeted me with the words “Hey Slick!” which is a common slang greeting amongst those from Washington DC. After discovering this he invited me to play bass with the music ministry of the church the very next Sunday!!! Yes , I’m sure that I will be one of many to speak of his kindness, and very welcoming personality! My family and I will remember his acts of kindness and help. Esther, and family you are in our prayers and thoughts.
Louis J Prescott Jr.

March 07, 2025

Roland was a dear and caring man. It was a pleasure to have known him, and although I had only talked with him a few times in the last couple years, I thought of him often. I’m sure he will be missed greatly.
Sandy Derr

Visitation: Saturday, March 29, 2025; 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM; Bright Side Baptist Church; 515 Hershey Ave; Lancaster, PA 17603
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Services: Saturday, March 29, 2025; 11:00 AM; Bright Side Baptist Church; 515 Hershey Ave; Lancaster, PA 17603
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >