Robert P. Little

Robert Pierce Little, lovingly known as Bob, was born in 1932 in Somerville, Massachusetts, to Josephine Hurley Little and John Ivers Little. He grew up in a lively, close-knit Irish immigrant family in a bustling three-story tenement, surrounded by generations of relatives, his grandparents Daniel (“Pa”) Hurley and Mary Ellen (“Minnie”) Stack, his mother, his sister Patty, two uncles, two aunts, and many cousins. Bob carried a deep pride in his Irish heritage and in the wide circle of family that shaped him, especially his 27 cousins, who were lifelong companions and friends.

Bob attended Boston College High School and later Boston College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature, graduating cum laude. After college, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and attended the Officer Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He went on to serve as aide-de-camp to the Commanding General of the 9th Infantry Division.

Following his honorable discharge, Bob began a 35-year career with Southern New England Telephone (SNET). Starting at the very bottom, he worked steadily and faithfully, earning the respect of colleagues along the way. He retired in 1988 as Assistant Vice President.

In 1958, Bob married Margaret “Peg” McGuire, the love of his life and his constant companion for 67 years. Together they made their home in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, where they raised their five children and built a life grounded in faith, service, and family. Bob placed a high value on education and gave this extraordinary gift to his children. He believed deeply in the power of learning to open doors, shape character, and foster independence. Education was not just an achievement to Bob, but a foundation for a meaningful and purposeful life. He was a voracious reader and life-long seeker of knowledge.

Bob was a wonderful dancer, and the family holds many fond memories of him and Peg rolling up the rug and dancing a spirited jitterbug. He delighted in teaching his daughters those same steps. Self-taught on the guitar, Bob loved to sing, sharing hymns and ballads, and, on occasion, a bawdy ditty or two. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. The memories they shared are too numerous to mention; visits to DQ, rides in the convertible, and endless beach days that will live with them forever.

Many in Old Saybrook will remember Bob running the town’s streets and roads. A committed runner, he logged as many as 60 miles a week at his peak and competed in numerous road races, always striving to better his personal best. Rain or shine, he became a familiar and friendly face, offering a wave or smile to passersby.

A deeply devoted Catholic, Bob was a daily communicant from his teenage years and a faithful member of St. John’s Roman Catholic Church for seven decades. He lived his faith quietly and generously. Over the years, he served the parish in many ways, including as a CCD teacher and a member of the Pastor’s Advisory Board. In 1993, Bob helped organize Shoreline Soup Kitchens, an ecumenical ministry dedicated to feeding those in need. As chair of the Board for five years, he worked alongside clergy, lay leaders, and volunteers to expand meal sites and food pantries throughout the shoreline community.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, his sister Patty, and his beloved son, Robert Jr. (“Bobby”). He is survived by his devoted wife, Margaret “Peg” Little; his children, Meg Little; Mary Little-Finnegan and her husband, Mark Finnegan; Dan Little; and Kateri Little and her husband, Neal Keye. He also leaves six treasured grandchildren: Sean and his wife, Kate; Mairin and her husband, Joseph; Conor and his partner, Sarah; Micaela; and Liam; Evan with his mother, Lori Grimmer; four great-grandchildren; and a wide circle of dear nieces, most especially Gail Egan, nephews, and cousins, whose lives he touched in countless ways.

The Irish have a proverb, “It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.” It reminds us that we would not have been able to care for Bob without the support, guidance, and compassion of those who surrounded us. The family would like to thank the nurses and aides of Middlesex Care at Home and Middlesex Hospice, most especially our Allison, Michelle, Lara, and, our angel Dulsy.

Bob will be remembered for his deep personal faith, his steadfast devotion to family, his generosity of spirit, and his lifelong commitment to serving others. The family respectfully requests no flowers. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital would be a meaningful way to honor both Bob and Bobby’s memory.

Calling hours will be at Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook on Monday, January 5, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St John Roman Catholic Church, Old Saybrook on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 11:00 am. Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Westbrook, CT.