Freeman L. Short

Sgt. Freeman Locklin Short—a son, a brother, a partner, a friend—and a man who left this world far too soon at just 31 years old.

Freeman was a brave crewmember on the F/V (fishing vessel) Lily Jean, lost at sea on January 30th, 2026 out of Gloucester Massachusetts.

Though his body was never recovered, Freeman’s life, spirit, and memory remain deeply present with all who knew and loved him.

Freeman spent his early childhood in Marshfield Massachusetts, close to his grandparents and loving Scituate relatives. He made many childhood memories with his siblings at Humarock Beach.

In 2002 Freeman and his family moved to Presque Isle Maine. Northern Maine is where he made lifelong friends, learned to slalom ski at Big Rock Mountain, cross country run, and hunt partridge. Freeman was a 2013 graduate of Presque Isle High School. Northern Maine shaped him as a hard worker and is where he left an impression of kindness and love to so many people.

Freeman was known for his intelligence, kindness, and sharp wit. He had a natural gift for conversation and connection—people were drawn to him immediately, and those who knew him well cherished his thoughtfulness, humor, and genuine curiosity about the world. He was the kind of person who made others feel heard and understood.

SPC Freeman Short proudly served in the Maine Army National Guard Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion. Where he demonstrated courage, discipline, and a strong sense of duty. He pursued higher education at the University of Maine, graduating in 2018 with a Bachelor's Degree in Financial Economics and followed with attending law school for a short time, reflecting his deep intellect and desire to challenge himself. Though his path was not without obstacles, Freeman never stopped striving to grow and learn. There are some finish lines he was not able to cross, but that did not deter from his constant striving to better himself.

Like many who feel deeply, Freeman faced personal challenges during his life. He met those struggles with honesty and resilience, and they never overshadowed the goodness of his heart. He will be remembered not for his hardships, but for his compassion, intelligence, and the warmth he brought into the lives of others.

Freeman shared a close and loving relationship with his girlfriend, Tiffany Leigh, of Natick, MA who is heartbroken by his loss. He is survived by his loving parents, Donna Noble Short, of Sarasota, FL, and Bowman Short, of Scituate, MA; and his three sibings, Rachael Short, of Sarasota, FL; Grace Bernaiche and her husband, Tyler Bernaiche of Hampden, ME; and Lydia Kochis and her husband, Cody Kochis of Old Town, ME all of whom are devastated by his passing and forever changed by his absence. He is also predeceased by his grandparents Charlie and Betty Noble of Marshfield and Stafford Short and Carolyn Cohen of Scituate.

Freeman mattered. He mattered in big ways and small ways. He mattered in conversations late at night, in moments of kindness that no one else saw, in the way he made people feel welcome and understood. He mattered because of who he was—not because he was perfect, but because he was real. Freeman Locklin Short will be deeply missed and always remembered.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean Street in Marshfield. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Christine Parish Church, 1295 Main Street in Marshfield, followed by Funeral Military Honors in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

For online guest book, driving directions and other helpful information please visit the website macdonaldfuneralhome.com