Obituary of Msgr. John J. Little

LITTLE - Monsignor John Joseph Little, age 54, of St. Aloysius Rectory, 7911 Admiral Peary Highway, Cresson, Pa., died Friday morning, Dec. 30, 2005, at Altoona Regional Health Systems, Altoona Hospital Campus, unexpectedly. Monsignor Little was born in Altoona on April 9, 1951, the son of the late Fred O. and Mary Margaret (Finnegan) Little. He was a priest serving the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown for 28 years. Monsignor Little graduated from Sacred Heart Grade School, Bishop Guilfoyle High School in 1969, St. Mary's College and SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Mich. He was ordained a priest on May 7, 1977, by the Most Rev. James J. Hogan. He was appointed Diocesan Director of Catholic Relief Services in 1978; received Chaplain of His Holiness (rank of Monsignor) in 1994; appointed Dean of the Ebensburg Deanery in 1994; named associate pastor at St. Benedict's Parish, Geistown, in 1977; was a part time instructor at Bishop McCort High School in 1977; named associate pastor at Holy Name Parish, Ebensburg, in 1984; named pastor at St. Mary's Parish, Nanty Glo, in 1988; named pastor of St. Aloysius Parish, Cresson, in 2001; and was awarded the Prince Gallitzin Cross in 1992. Monsignor Little is survived by four brothers: Daniel E. (wife, Barbara) Little, Richmond, Va.; Dr. Thomas E. (wife, Patricia) Little, Baltimore, Md.; Monsignor Anthony B. Little, St. Patrick's Rectory, Newry, Pa.; and William F. Little, Altoona, Pa. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Cresson, Pa., at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006, with the Most Rev. Joseph V. Adamec D.D., S.T.L., presider; Monsignor Anthony B. Little, celebrant; and con-celebrants diocesan priests. Committal rites will be held at Calvary Cemetery, Altoona. Friends will be received Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home, Altoona. The Rite of Reception will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Cresson, where friends will be received from 1 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Vigil for the Deceased will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Cresson, by Monsignor Anthony B. Little. In memory of Monsignor John J. Little, please make contributions to "Kindred Journey Haiti Fund," c/o Monsignor Arnold Gaus, Holy Name Church, 500 N. Julian St., Ebensburg, Pa. 15931, or All Saints Catholic School, Cresson, Pa.