John Patrick “Pat” Little, 78, of Avondale, PA, formerly of Greenville, DE, passed away on March 2, 2023 at Christiana Hospital in the presence of his daughter, Carolyn Little.
Born to Helen and Duard Little on September 28, 1944 in Lawrence, Kansas, Pat was the oldest of 5 brothers. He attended Randolph-Macon Military Academy in Front Royal Virginia and went on to Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener University) where he was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity in which he forged a brotherhood of lifelong friendships. Pat loved long distance running and was a member of the cross country team, winning many awards. He received a BS in Economics, completed MBA courses at the University of Pennsylvania as well as an Advanced Management Certificate from Columbia University. Pat served with honor and distinction in the US Army from 1968 to 1970 during the Vietnam War where he was wounded in action and awarded the Purple Heart, among other honors. After his military service he went on to serve his fellow veterans by becoming actively involved in the Military Order of the Purple Heart, rising through the ranks to be the National Chief Commander in which he embodied the values of courage, integrity, and selflessness, helping the organization to expand its assistance and support to veterans nationwide.
After returning from Vietnam, Pat and Nancy Little married and had two children, Michael and Carolyn, whom he loved and cherished. He had a distinguished twenty-two-year career with the DuPont Company that took his family from Colorado, where he loved to climb mountains and ski, to Missouri, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and back to Delaware. He had a quick-witted sense of humor, enjoyed playing tennis, taking his family to Ocean Park, Maine in the summer, going to the symphony and plays, playing Bridge, and traveling and sharing delicious meals (especially spicy Mexican food, fried clams, oysters, ice cream, and a good ol’ Manhattan).
Following his career at DuPont, Pat assisted in the startup of numerous companies, was the President of Union Optical Company USA, and served on boards of directors for international companies as well as various boards at the request of the Governor of Delaware. Most recently he served as the Township Supervisor, Chair, for the New Garden Township. He truly lived a life of service until his final days.
He is survived by his son, Michael, and daughter, Carolyn; brothers, Alex (Nancy), Chris (Michelle), James (Kathy), and Lee (Carrie); former spouse, Nancy Little, companion, Sandi
Keith; granddaughter, Michala Heiser, and granddog, Phoenix. He is predeceased by his parents.
Condolences
Thank You
Your online condolence will appear once approved by our site administrator.