Widely known as the leader of the infamous “Stoop Group” at 60 Pinckney Street
Philip Short, a much-loved and respected resident of upper Pinckney Street on Beacon Hill died July 14, 2026 at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Phil was born and raised in Greenfield, Mass. and graduated from Greenfield High School in 1972. Following high school, he attended Greenfield Community College and later Boston Architectural College.
In his younger years, he studied ballet but decided that this was probably not his best career choice. It did however lead to a lifelong love of Ballet.
Phil developed skills in carpentry as a builder with Deckhouse where he gained the knowledge and ability to take on almost any form of building maintenance and repair.
This put him in a good position to deal with the antique housing stock on Beacon Hill. He was known to say, “On Beacon Hill everything is half a bubble off.”
If he did not know how to “do it,” he knew the right person to recommend.
Phil enjoyed travel and in his younger years he traveled to Africa, Thailand and England and always retained fond memories of these trips.
In later years, his travel was more local with frequent visits to New York City and a fondness for Key West in Florida.
Phil was a very caring and helpful person and provided assistance to many including his aunt, Betsy Wing.
Phil was widely known as the leader of the infamous “Stoop Group” a group of neighbors and friends who gather on the Stoop at 60 Pinckney, often several times a day but especially around 4 p.m. Phil once said of the Stoop Group, “We do not gossip, we take in information and we dispense information as needed.”
Phil will be greatly missed by his many friends and customers.
Phil is survived by his sisters, Lynda Short of Montrose, Colorado and Deborah Short of Erie, Colorado, his brother, Kenneth Short and his wife, Joyce of Northfield, Massachusetts and his Aunt Betsy Wing of Woodstock, Vermont.
Phil visited the Public Garden most mornings to enjoy a Frappuccino from the local Starbucks. A memorial plaque for one of the benches he favored is planned in his honor. Contributions may be made by VENMO (Curtis-Phelps-16) or by check to Curtis Phelps through the mail slot at 60 Pinckney.
Any surplus funds will be donated to the Friends of the Public Garden in his memory.
A Memorial Service is planned for Friday, September 18, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the Kings Chapel Parish House, 64 Beacon Street, Boston.
All are welcome to attend.