For those of you who know my PopPop, it will come as no surprise that he wrote his own obituary and, let’s just say … it is comprehensive! So, allow us – his grandchildren – this opportunity to highlight PopPop’s story; copies of the obituary as written by PopPop will be available at the funeral.
Frederick {“Fred”} Bryton Little, Jr. was born to the late Frederick Bryton Little, M.D. and Edna Mae Little (nee Slaughter) on September 27, 1933. He passed away unexpectedly on April 3, 2023.
Raised with his sister, Lydia Ann Phillips, in Norristown, PA, PopPop attended The Hill School and graduated from Eisenhower High School. He served one tour in the U.S. Air Force before earning his Bachelor’s degree from Albright College, Reading, PA. Following, PopPop enjoyed a more than thirty-year career with the U.S. Public Health Service – Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, retiring as Regional Director for Health Services, Region Ill.
PopPop considers his children, with whom he shares with Edith M. Little (nee Root), his greatest success – Wendy Little Schieke (Richard) of Melbourne, FL and Chestertown MD, Frederick G. Little of Ocean City, NJ, Karl W. Little of Wyndmoor, PA, and Barbara A. Worgan (Gregory) of South Burlington, VT. He later welcomed stepchildren, John Crane (Julia) and Christina M. Berry (William), upon marrying the late June E. Little. PopPop treasured his extended family (including niece Lisa Phillips, nephew Kent Phillips, and cousin Susan Greer). Whether it be through work, the American Legion, the church, or many other activities, PopPop valued the friends he made along the way – many of whom became “family.”
Although he was approaching 90 years of age and was of compromised health, you may find it an oxymoron in telling you that PopPop’s death was untimely. Based on police investigation, PopPop was victimized by unknown criminals who demanded substantial financial payoff to ensure the protection and/or safety of “his daughter.” There was no limit to what PopPop would do for those whom he loved. The physical exertion required to secure the demanded funds and the mental anguish of the criminals’ false story were just too much for his heart. PopPop died of a heart attack.
On Thursday, April 13, 2023, PopPop will be laid to rest. The Little Family invites you to join us at the Church of the Resurrection – St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 200 West Tuckahoe Road Marmora, NJ for visitation with the family at 9:30 AM, the American Legion Post Everlasting Prayer at 10:20 AM, and Funeral Service at 10:30 AM. PopPop will be interred at 1:45 PM at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 3301 W. Cheltenham Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19150. Although the Little Family appreciates the thoughtfulness, we request no flowers; please consider making donations to the American Legion Morvay-Miley-Cruise Post 524 and/or Saint Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Parish. The Little Family also wishes to raise awareness of financial exploitation and abuse of vulnerable adults and will be establishing a foundation, NOlittleMATTER.org.
PopPop’s story is shared by Fred’s grandchildren – Haley, Austin, Georgia, Nolan, Bryton, and Boyd
Arrangements are by The Godfrey Funeral Home of Ocean City. For condolences to the famil, visit www.godfreyfuneralhome.com
