Charles E. Shorday

Charles E. Shorday has been an active member of the Abington community, good neighbor, successful businessman, and generous philanthropist for almost five decades.

Charles began his long food store career clerking in his stepfather’s “mom and pop” grocery in Warminster. Two years after his 1949 Upper Southampton-Warminster High School graduation, he bought the store when his stepfather fell ill.

In 1957, he formed Townco, Inc. which grew to three markets. He sold those them in 1966 to Perloff Brothers, Inc. where he was named Executive Vice President. In 1972, he formed C.E.S. Operating Co., Inc. and went on to operate 23 supermarkets including Foodtown, Great Scott, Q Mart, Safe Foods, Shop n Bag, Thriftway, Town & Country and Shorday’s in Abington, best known in this community.

Charles started C.E. Shorday Real Estate which he continues today. Since 2002, he has also served as President of C.E.S. Operating Company, Inc., specializing in real estate investments.

Together, Charles and Joan have made major contributions to building and improvement funds at Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington Free Library, and the Abington Police Department’s Police Athletic League. They support Scouts and Little Leagues , and provided tickets for PAL children to go to Phillies games.

It is no surprise that Charles has amassed a long list of honors and awards for his service to the community.  When he is not well occupied with his business and community life, Charles enjoys reading and traveling with Joan. They have three grown children and five grandchildren.