WARREN M. "RENNY" LITTLE

1933 - 2021

LITTLE, Warren M. "Renny" 2017 Harvard Medal Recipient Surrounded by his family, Warren Masters "Renny" Little, passed away peacefully at Mount Auburn Hospital on December 11, 2021 at the age of 88. Renny was predeceased by his wife, Jean H. Little; his parents Bert and Nina Little; and his brother John B. "Jack" Little. Renny is survived by his twin sister, Selina F. Little; his sister-in-law, Francoise Little and his brother-in-law, Allen Hawthorne. He also leaves his son David Little, daughter-in-law Heidi Little and their children Elaina and Micah of Sanbornton, NH, son Robert Little and daughter-in-law Kathleen Little and their daughters Caroline, Caitlin and Erin of Acton, MA, and daughter Cristina "Tina" Little Steensen-Bech and son-in-law Jan Erik Steensen-Bech and their son Simon of Phoenix, AZ. Renny was born in Boston, MA, on January 12, 1933. He attended The Park School and The Rivers School both in Brookline, and graduated from The Middlesex School in Concord in 1951. Renny went on to earn an A.B. in Social Relations from Harvard University in 1955. He earned an Ed.M. from Tufts University in 1966, and an Ed.D. in Leadership and Administration from UMass, Amherst in 1972. After completing Infantry Officer Candidate School in 1956, Renny proudly served four years in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, retiring with the rank of Captain, USAR. Renny was a lifelong educator. His professional practice included posts as a biology teacher at The Rivers School in Weston in the 1960's, the Director of Education at the New England Aquarium in the 1970's, the Director of the Higgins Armory Museum in the 1980's, and the Executive Director of the Cambridge Historical Society in the 1990's. Renny was also a member of countless organizations but was most active in a few in particular: The Harvard Varsity Club, The Massachusetts Society of The Cincinnati, and the Harvard Alumni Association's Happy Observance of Commencement Committee (The "Happy Committee"). Renny and Jean were married in Needham, MA, on September 1, 1956, and Renny's family was immensely important to him. He enjoyed helping Jean to raise their three children and being a part of their many activities while including them in his. He particularly liked taking his kids to Harvard football and hockey games and more importantly, track and field meets where he would regale anyone who would listen about his successes as a sprinter in the 1950's. Renny also spent many hours hosting friends and family at their homes in Wellesley, MA, and Meredith, NH, and later in Cambridge, MA. Over his very active life, Renny spent countless hours as the Class Secretary for the Harvard Class of 1955. In addition to keeping folks up to date with the comings and goings of his classmates, Renny curated the Lee Family Hall of Athletics History in Harvard's Murr Center in 1998. For Renny's extraordinary service over many years, The Harvard Alumni Association recognized him at Commencement in 2017 with the Harvard Medal. Renny was the epitome of "hail fellow well met." He was the hub of many social functions over the years and loved a big party, regardless of its impetus. He enjoyed mixing his social circles together, and to that end the family is planning a festive celebration of his and Jean's life for the spring of 2022. In lieu of flowers, Renny suggested that donations could be made in his honor to the Chewonki Foundation, 485 Chewonki Neck Road, Wiscasset, ME 04578 or to The Rivers School, 333 Winter Street, Weston, MA 02493.

View the online memorial for Warren M. "Renny" LITTLE