Frederick Reynolds Little

Frederick R. Little, 67, of Littlestown, PA, affectionately known as Fred, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025, following a hard-fought and prolonged battle with cancer. In classic Fred style, he faced it with a mix of wry humor and a stubborn refusal to give in easily. He was born on November 15, 1957. (He always claimed he forgot the exact date because once Alexis was born three days later in November, his calendar became a perpetual "Alexis Month" celebration.)

Fred was a devoted husband to Shelly M. Little (née Nephew) and a loving father to daughter Alexis R. Smith (née Little) and son-in-law Alec M. Smith. He cherished his family and found immense joy in their company. Beyond his immediate family, he also served as a cherished father figure and role model for his nieces and nephews, guiding them with wisdom and unwavering support. Out in the world, Fred was a wonderful tour guide and expert navigator for his family and friends, with seemingly endless curiosity and knowledge about the world around him. Fred had a keen sense of direction and historical knowledge mixed with the right amount of humor; if there was ever a subject he didn’t know, he found immense joy in making it up on the spot (whether those around him knew it or not)!

Fred was also a soft touch when it came to his furry companions. Over the years, he showered love on Buttons, Maggie, Blimpy, Emma, Maya, Henry, and Sneakers. He'd always grumble, "No more pets!" yet somehow, they kept finding their way to his doorstep, a testament to his secretly big heart.

He was the son of the late Henry O. Little and Jane V. Little (née Hoffmann). Fred is survived by his siblings James, Henry, John, Mary, and Elizabeth, and was predeceased by his brother Thomas E. Little. "Uncle Fred" was dearly loved by his nieces and nephews, who admired him for his playful spirit and his talent for entertaining them and making life fun. (Though, let’s be honest, he sometimes wondered if some of them knew where Littlestown was on a map.)

Fred was previously married to Michelle (née Carpentier) in 1981. True to his kind nature, he maintained a friendship with her and held her in high regard.

Graduating in 1979, Fred studied Broadcast Engineering from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, where he forged lifelong friendships as a member of the Pi Alpha Nu fraternity. Fred launched his career in the 80s as a radio DJ at WEAV and WIRY, becoming a recognized presence in Plattsburgh, NY. Throughout the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, he extended his reach and celebrated with numerous couples and families throughout the North Country by DJing weddings and anniversaries on weekends. He also became a regular requested DJ at Dannys Pub/American Legion in Rouses Point, NY and would pack the house every time he had a wedding-free Saturday night.

In 1991, his professional path led him to the pharmaceutical industry, where he spent many years at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in Rouses Point, NY. Fred’s dedication and expertise allowed him to continue his career in pharmaceuticals when he moved to Littlestown, PA with his wife, Shelly and daughter, Alexis. He displayed a wide range of expertise within the pharmaceutical industry, serving in Compliance and Quality Assurance for several companies, including Shire, Novartis, and Catalent, before retiring in 2022.

In accordance with Fred’s wishes, a small, intimate gathering for close family and friends will be held later in the year, when the weather warms.

He will be remembered for his warm personality, his dedication to his family, his diverse and impactful contributions to both the broadcasting and pharmaceutical industries, and the joy he brought to his nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Fred’s memory to a charity of your choice.