Ken Little, a beloved historian of the Chicago Fire Department and a retired senior fire alarm operator, passed away this week at the age of 84. Known for his deep knowledge of Chicago's firefighting history, Ken co-authored four volumes on the history of Chicago firehouses with Father John McNalis. He also led bus tours that brought the city’s fire department heritage to life for many visitors.
Ken was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He is survived by his children: Kenneth, Robert (Kimberlee), Stephen (Rhonda), Philip (Lee), Richard, Raymond, Mary Ellen (Steve) Cooper, Anna (Ron) Stargardt, and Rita (Rich) Carlson. He was also the late Thomas’s father. His grandchildren—Timothy, Christine, Kevin, and Jenna—will always remember him as a proud and loving grandfather. Ken was also the brother of the late Robert and a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 11, from 3 pm to 9 pm at Cumberland Chapels, located at 8300 W Lawrence Ave in Norridge. Family and friends are invited to gather at St. Michael Church, 1633 N Cleveland Ave in Chicago, at 10:15 am on Tuesday for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am. The funeral will be followed by a private interment at All Saints Cemetery on Wednesday.
In addition to his work with the Fire Department, Ken was a long-time teacher of Chicago History at Wright Junior College. Those wishing to honor his memory may make donations to the Fire Museum of Greater Chicago, located at 517 Senon Dr., Lemont, IL 60439-4093. For more information, call (708) 456-8300 or visit www.cumberlandchapels.com.
According to reports from chicagolocal.cbs.com, Ken was known for his engaging conversations and encyclopedic knowledge. Father John McNalis shared that when they spoke, it was often hard to keep track of time. “He never forgot anything,†said McNalis. “He knew all the details—names, times, companies that responded, and where he was when the call came in.â€
McNalis worked closely with Ken for 16 years to complete the four-volume history of Chicago firehouses. Ken grew up in the Old Town neighborhood and had a lifelong passion for preserving the legacy of the Chicago Fire Department.
From chicagofd.org, there is a video showing Ken at work in the old Main Fire Alarm Office, with the first 16 seconds capturing his dedication and professionalism in action.
Ken Little left behind a rich legacy, not just in the records of Chicago’s fire history, but in the lives of those who knew and loved him. His contributions will be remembered for generations to come.
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