Obituary of Pierson P. Little

Pierson Phillip "Fatty" Little passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, just two days shy of his 96th birthday.

Born on June 29, 1930, in Morristown, New Jersey, to Ernest Little and Christine (née Harding) Little, Fatty grew up in Mt. Tabor, New Jersey, as the youngest of six children. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Wally, Ernie, Stuart, and Gordon; his sister, Virginia "Ginny"; and his beloved wife, Nora Ruth (Leith) Little.

Although his given name was Pierson Phillip Little, almost no one called him that. To generations of family, friends, neighbors, fellow Lions Club members, and veterans, he was simply "Fatty." The nickname was bestowed upon him by his older brothers when he was a chubby three-year-old and stayed with him for the rest of his life. His license plate proudly read "FATTY1," and his nieces and nephews knew him only as Uncle Fatty.

Fatty proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, including service overseas. After returning home, he built a career with New Jersey Bell spanning more than 30 years, where he began as an installer before being promoted to supervisor. Following his retirement, he continued working at Picatinny Arsenal.

He believed in giving back to his community and dedicated many years to volunteering with the Denville Lions Club. He was also a proud life member of the Denville American Legion Post 390 and a proud life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3401 in Morris Plains. What people will remember most, however, wasn't where he worked or the organizations he belonged to. They'll remember the kind of man he was.

If you needed wiring done, Fatty was there. If a tree needed to come down, Fatty was there. If something needed fixing, he was usually the first person to show up. He never expected payment, although he was always happy to accept a cold beer in return. Helping others simply came naturally to him.

He loved being around people. Whether visiting with neighbors, catching up with friends, or spending time with family, he always had a smile, an easy laugh, and a willingness to lend a hand. He made people feel welcome, and over the years, his kindness quietly touched countless lives.

In his later years, he found love and companionship with his longtime partner, Donna Ramirez, who lovingly cared for him as his health declined. His family is deeply grateful for the compassion, devotion, and care she gave him.

Fatty is survived by his four children: Michael Little and his wife, Margaret; Jay Little and his wife, Thylda; Lori Ferrera and her husband, Steve; and Lisa Bowman. He also leaves behind five cherished grandchildren: Allison Puente and her husband, David; Michael Little and his fiancée, Holly Jelicks; Stephanie Ferrera and her husband, Eddie Devers; Danielle Ferrera and her husband, Damian Chmelar; and Nicholas Ferrera and his fiancée, Taylor Bartlow. He is also survived by two beloved great-grandchildren, Addison Devers and Samuel Chmelar, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him greatly.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at VFW Post 3401, Tabor Road, Morris Plains, New Jersey.

If you were lucky enough to know Fatty, chances are he helped you at some point. He asked for very little in return, except maybe a cold beer and good company. That simple generosity defined the way he lived his life and is how those who loved him will always remember him.