Richard "Rick" P. Little

Richard P. "Rick" Little died unexpectedly at home in Benton Township on December 7, 2024 from complications from treatment for pancreatic cancer. He was 67.

Rick is survived by his wife of 45 years, Barbara Byers Little; his daughter, Rachel Irene Little-McLeod (Josh McLeod), Lancaster, PA; his sister, Christine Little Ristl, Vienna, Austria; his granddaughter and delight of his life, Leah Wren McLeod; and many dear cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard Little III and Grace Hough Little; and his elder sister Linda Jean Little.

Rick was born in Scranton, PA on January 11, 1957. He grew up in Clarks Green and attended Abington Heights schools, graduating in 1974. He earned a business degree with emphasis on real estate from The Ohio State University in 1978. He began his career at Gallery of Homes in Columbus, OH before returning to the Abingtons to work at the The Scrantonian Tribune, founded in part by his great-grandfather. There, he managed the classified advertising department until the paper was sold. He met Barbara a week prior to his college graduation. They married in Wadsworth, OH on November 10, 1979 and moved to PA shortly thereafter. After leaving the newspaper, Rick worked at Clarks Summit Lincoln Mercury Volvo then MetLife, followed by Community Bank Systems. In May of 1992 he and Barbara welcomed their daughter, Rachel. He was always there for her in whatever she endeavored, offering guidance and support.

In the community, Rick was involved in a variety of organizations over the years, including Rotary Club of the Abingtons and the Women's Resource Center. He was proud of playing an integral part in moving the women's shelter into Scranton. After participating in an area Halloween show for several years, he enjoyed creating his own versions for the neighborhood children, first in Clarks Green and later in Benton
Township.

Rick was a devoted father, husband, brother, and friend. He made friends wherever he went. We will all miss his humor and wit. His ability to reference George Carlin in nearly any situation was unparalleled. He was a man of many interests and abilities; he was always learning new things and found YouTube videos to be invaluable. The extensive tool collection he left behind evidenced his love of creating, building, fixing, and
improving. He was also a problem-solver who loved a challenge and worked through his frustrations to a resolution. He was an amateur magician, entertaining many friends, clients, colleagues, and children with his card tricks and illusions. He delighted in piloting his drones and was an avid OSU Buckeyes fan.

Rick grew up in the Church of the Epiphany, and, after some time away, returned as a new father to take active roles in many church activities. Over the years, he served on multiple committees, was senior warden of the vestry, led high school Sunday school and helped them produce memorable Christmas pageants, and was the Acolyte Director for 25 years. He was fondly known to the students and their parents as "Uncle Rick." He was proud that he never lost an acolyte on their annual trips to Washington, DC for the National Acolyte Festival in October. Organizing the annual chicken BBQ to raise funds for the trip was another of his projects. Until Covid, the Epiphany contingent had the third best record of attendance after two DC area churches. Each of the more than 100 youths he mentored through the acolyte program had a special place in his heart and he kept in touch with many long after they graduated from the program. When Covid hit he turned his attention to setting up a broadcast system for the church so that all could attend services together online. He even made house calls to help folks understand and use the new technology. His efforts continue to be used weekly by many who can't physically be at the church. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 10:30 am on Saturday, May 3 at the Church of the Epiphany, 25 Church Hill Road, Glenburn Township, PA. Reverend Michele Causton will officiate. The service will be viewable on Zoom via the link on the homepage at EpiphanyGlenburn.org.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be offered to Church of the Epiphany, AGAPE Fund, PO Box 189, Clarks Summit PA 18411; Women's Resource Center, PO Box 975, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18501-0975; or Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Rd, South Abington Township, PA 18411.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 418 S. State Street, Clarks Summit.