Arthur Irving Littlefield Jr.

Art Littlefield, 91, of Orlando, passed away peacefully at his home Jan. 27, with Jo, his wife of 68 years, by his side. Art was born in Fall River, Massachusetts in 1932. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1950, soon after graduating from St. Petersburg High School. The Korean War was just cranking up. He ultimately spent two 13-month tours there.

He served as a Drill instructor in San Diego and at Parris Island. His summer romance with Jo Chimenti that began in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, became a marriage in 1955 that lasted the rest of his life.

He slowly started climbing the Marine Corps enlisted ranks. In 1966, while at Parris Island serving as an instructor at Drill Instructors’ school, he was summoned to the General’s office, where he had the gold bars of 2nd Lieutenant pinned on. His wife Jo, and his three children: Pam, Artie and Cindy were at his side. He also was given orders to Vietnam.

In Vietnam, he served as a Forward Observer and Infantry Platoon Commander. Art describes his years in the Marine Corps as among the greatest experiences of his life, due to the camaraderie and dedication of his fellow Marines. Art retired from the Marine Corps in 1970 as a Captain with awards that included the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He and his family moved to Orlando. For many years, he attended the annual Drill Instructors’ Reunion at Parris Island, his favorite Marine Corps base.

He went on to a successful career in advertising and marketing in civilian life, primarily for SEE Magazine. Art was a life-long golfer who had a hole-in-one to his credit. After retirement from advertising sales, he took a part-time job at the Rio Pinar Golf Club, where he happily tended to the golf carts, squirrels and every stray animal that cared to stop by for treats. He is survived by his wife, Jo Littlefield, as well as Pam Littlefield (daughter), Susan Littlefield (daughter-in-law), Cindy and Bob Dempsey (daughter and son-in-law). He is also survived by six grandchildren: Kyle and Kristopher Dempsey, Art and Ryan Littlefield, Leigh and Kevin Moran, as well as two great grandchildren, McKayla and Kira Dempsey.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 2, at the Orlando Lutheran Towers Chapel, 300 East Church Street, Orlando, FL 32801.