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Russell Little Obituary
Reno - It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Russell Edward Little, age 76, of Reno, NV. Russ passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Monday, January 11th, 2021. Russ was born October 12th, 1944 in Patton, PA to parents Russell J. and Isobel Little, joining his older sisters Nancy, Sally, and Jane.
Russ was an avid student and after graduating high school from Cambria Heights in 1962, he went on to Penn State and the University of Pittsburgh for his undergraduate degree. From there he attended West Virginia University to pursue a degree in Dentistry. It was there he met his future wife Patricia. After graduating with Honors from dental school, Russ moved to Hawaii, and one semester later after obtaining her degree in Nursing (also with Honors), Patty joined him. It was there that between work and play they found time to have a wedding on February 14th, 1969.
Russ and Patty returned to WVU where Russ finalized a degree in Orthodontics. Following that, Russ served in the US Air Force and was stationed in San Antonio, TX, and it was there that their first child Erin was born. After his service when the opportunity arose for them to buy a private practice, the family moved to Reno, NV. His daughter Kelly was born in 1976, while son Chris was born in 1980. Russ spent the remainder of his life in Reno where he and Patty raised their three children. He continued to practice Orthodontics for nearly 40 years, was widely recognized as an expert in his field, and was very popular with the many patients whose smiles he helped straighten.
Russ was preceded in death by his daughters Erin and Kelly. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Patricia, son Chris, grandchildren Aidan, Asher, and Hattie, his sisters Nancy, Sally and Jane as well as extended family and countless friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to the American Cancer Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Russell Little
maureen Ely
November 8, 2022
Oh my gosh, I have loved Dr. Little since I met him in 1977. He was from PA. and a friend referred me as i needed braces.
He was a gem and i had a beautiful smile after he cared for me. I´m sad to hear if his passing. Dr was first class and the nicest guy i´ve ever met. I´m so grateful to have known him. I see he has 3 sisters I bet that´s why he was so sweet. I will keep him in my prayers .Maureen Ely RN
Mike Chervenak and Marcia Chervenak
August 18, 2021
I knew Rusty in the early 1960´s since I grew up in Barnesboro, nearby Patton PA. Cambria Heights was our football rival. Rusty was always a gentleman and a good guy. My wife and I crashed his VW in Honolulu in 1970 on our honeymoon. We our sorry for that event even today. RIP Rusty.
Bob and Patty France
February 16, 2021
Dear Patty, We were so deeply saddened to read of Russ's passing. We have many fond memories of years gone by. Your Green Chicken Enchilada recipe is still a favorite. With Deepest Sympathies,
Bob and Patty France
Patty Eckenrode
February 6, 2021
Rusty and I were from the same town in Patton, Pa. We attended first grade through graduating in 1962. It was very exciting to see what a wonderful path his life took him. My deepest sympathy to your family. Some peoples memory remain in our lives forever Rusty certainly is one of them. Patty Eckenrode
Kim Meyer
January 29, 2021
Oh I remember Dr. Little with such fondness. He was an immensely kind man and an excellent orthodontist that gave me a beautiful smile! My condolences to his family.
Christina
January 28, 2021
So sorry to hear about Dr Little's passing. I had braces twice as a kid, both times with Dr Little. He was very kind and a great orthodontist. I have had several dentists ask who did my orthodontia because the results were so fantastic. These dentists were never surprised to hear my smile was the work of Dr Little. He had a reputation for excellent work and I am grateful to him for my smile . My condolences to his family.
Kym Hanson
January 28, 2021
Sending warmest wishes to the Little family. I worked for Dr. Little from 1991-2001. He was a good boss and was a well respected orthodontist. His work was amazing and you can still recognize the smiles he did.
Dallas & Paula Penrod
January 27, 2021
A truly gifted Orthodontist! Thanks to his miraculous talent, a lot of people now look forward to smiling!! So sorry for your loss.
Tom and Ouida Pitts
January 27, 2021
So sorry pat.
Tom and Ouida Pitts
Jenny Porras
January 25, 2021
Patty and Russ were among the first couples we met when we first moved to Reno in 1977 and we quickly became fast friends. Russ was a kind, generous, caring man with a terrific sense of humor. He put braces on at least one of my children, my daughter. My deep condolences go out to his family, especially his beautiful wife, Patty, whose friendship I have always cherished. I am thinking of you during this sad time. XOXO, Jenny
Barbie Marcoe
January 23, 2021
I was the kid who never opened her mouth. I had 10 permanent teeth that were missing for some reason. Dr Little arranged consultations with dentists and oral surgeons to give me a mouth that allows me to smile. He later put braces on my children, and, well, I just will always remember this kind soul. Hugs to those who miss him. We were blessed by his presence.
Diane Sumner
January 22, 2021
To the family of Dr. Little,
It was more than 45 years ago . . . . . braces . . . . clear, plastic ones. Dr. LIttle was new to town and he knew of all the latest updates to the world of orthodontic dentistry. I was his anxious patient. He was kind, friendly, FUN, and very qualified.
Fast forward 45 years. His work endures to this very day. The memory of his kindness does as well. Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with the community of Reno. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Diane Dibitonto Sumner
Angie Cerfoglio
January 22, 2021
It was such a pleasure to be an employee of Dr Little’s for 14 years. He was a wonderful boss and such a kind and caring man! I will always cherish my many memories of him! RIP Dr Little and my condolences to Patty, Chris and his extended family!
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