Reverend John David "Jack" Little

The Reverend John David “Jack” Little, age 85, of Warwick, MD, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Jack was the son of the late George Emory Little and Mae Katherine (Bittle) Little, and grew up in Aspinwall, PA. His education included graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Gettysburg College, a Masters in Divinity from Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary, and a Masters in Social Work from Washington University, all of which set the foundation for a lifetime of Ministry and Social Work that lasted over 60 years. Jack led congregations around the country, including Lutheran churches in Missouri, Illinois, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware. While in South Dakota, he directed a project for Lutheran Social Services and improved education and quality of life for Native American students on several reservations across the state. Jack then served as the Director of the Tressler Center (part of Tressler Lutheran Services) developing innovative programming to better serve individuals and the local community. He also worked for Northern Chesapeake Hospice and Visiting Nurses, providing comfort, support, pastoral guidance and healing for grieving families. Jack is fondly remembered by families across the tri-state area for his unique Christmas Eve services held in a barn which included: live animals, festive music, amusing sermons, and roles for all of the children who wanted to participate. He truly embodied his commitment to be of service to others throughout his entire life Jack was always active in his home and community. Singing with the Delaware Saengerbund, the Cecil County Choral Society, the Mary Green Singers, and a Barber Shop Quartet truly enlivened him. Jack loved traveling, and particularly loved historic trains. He avidly photographed his adventures, and even learned to use an iPhone just so he could share his pictures! He also enjoyed playing bridge, and was a member of two different bridge clubs. His love of plants led to becoming a master gardener, and his property remains full of blooming flowers, large shade trees, quiet pathways, and his nemesis, The Beaver. Jack’s passion for the Steelers and the Pirates always made for lively enjoyment of sporting events! Jack was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Marilyn Katherine (Hamilton) Little, who was a lifelong teacher, education advocate, and shared Jack’s love of cats. He is survived by his brother, Dr. George Robert Little of Mechanicsburg PA; and his children, David Michael Little & Sally Moscatiello of Columbia MD, and Mark Hamilton Little of Durango CO. Jack doted on his grandchildren, Zachary Hamilton Little & Dr. Rita Chen of Silver Spring, MD, and Cristiana Nicole Little & Carlos Amaya of Wheaton, MD. Jack was blessed in recent years with a beloved companion, Brenda Hagelstein of Middletown, DE. He was embraced by her family, Walter III & Andrea Hagelstein, Jeanine & Geoffrey Heath, Adrienne & Andrew Shearer, Geoffrey & Sarah Heath, Abigail & Elizabeth Storm, Aubrey Shearer and Benjamin Shearer. Jack is also survived by his loyal, lovable, four-legged children, Jake, Richard, and Mooey. A funeral service for family and friends honoring the Reverend John D. Little will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 701 S College Avenue, Newark, DE. Face coverings will be required for all those in attendance not immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine per the CDC and Governor of Delaware. Any family members or friends who are unable to attend Jack’s service can live stream the service by clicking here. Jack devoted his life to service in so many ways. In his memory, contributions can be made to your choice of charitable service organizations to continue Jack’s passionate legacy of service to others.