Robert John Little, 69, of Acton

Obituary and photo courtesy of Acton Funeral Home.

ACTON, MA—Robert John Little passed away unexpectedly from an apparent heart attack in his home in Acton, Massachusetts on Monday, June 27, 2016.

Bob is survived by his wife Ellen, his daughter Karen Vaillancourt and her husband Peter, his son Robert and his wife Jill, Ellen’s children Robert Bishop and his wife Jessica, Kenneth Bishop and his wife Angela, Rebecca Bishop Abbott and her husband Christopher, and Carolyn Timm Hougland and her husband Matthew. Bob was a cherished grandfather to Matthew and Lindsey Vaillancourt, Ryan and Gavin Little, Isabel and Elena Bishop, and Samuel and Alivia Bishop. He is also survived by his brother Edward W. Little and wife Suzanne, and sister Linda Lee Patkus along with many nieces and nephews.

Bob was born on January 21, 1947 in Nashua, NH to Edward W.H. Little and Mary Geno Little. He graduated from Winchester High School in 1965. After attending the University of New Hampshire, Bob served in the US Coast Guard and then joined his father and brother at Winchester Corporation, the family’s packaging and specialty paper company.

Bob was married to his high school sweetheart Adelle for 36 years, with whom he raised his family in Acton. After Adelle’s untimely passing, Bob met Ellen Bishop and the two connected over the recent loss of their spouses. They were married in 2004 and have spent the last twelve years together, working, playing, traveling, and enjoying time with their combined family.

He fulfilled a lifelong dream in 2015 by earning his Amateur Radio License, and in the past year has spent much of his time volunteering at large events and trainings. He was also one of the founders of the Children’s Discovery Museum in Acton, an accomplished photographer, a talented musician, a Master Scuba Diver, and highly skilled in computer design. Above all, Bob was a devoted husband, a dedicated father, and a doting grandfather who prioritized his family and delighted in their happiness.

Visting hours and a celebration of Bob's life were held on June 30 and July 1.

Donations may be made to two organizations close to Bob’s heart: The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Run for Freedom Lynn, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds to support human trafficking victims.