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Ken Little, a respected Chicago Fire Department historian and retired senior fire alarm operator, passed away this week at the age of 84. Known for his deep knowledge of Chicago's fire history, Ken co-authored four volumes on the history of Chicago firehouses alongside Father John McNalis. He also led bus tours that brought the city’s firefighting legacy to life for many.
Ken was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He leaves behind a large family, including 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’ father, and he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice (nee Bychowski), and his brother, Robert. Ken was a proud grandfather to Timothy, Christine, Kevin, and Jenna, and a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 11, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels, located at 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael Church, 1633 N. Cleveland Ave., Chicago, with a gathering starting at 10:15 a.m. The funeral will be followed by a private interment at All Saints Cemetery on Wednesday.
Ken spent many years teaching Chicago History at Wright Junior College, where he inspired students with his passion for the city's past. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Fire Museum of Greater Chicago, located at 517 Senon Dr., Lemont, IL 60439-4093. For more information, visit www.cumberlandchapels.com or call (708) 456-8300.
According to reports from chicagolocal.cbs.com, Ken was known for his extensive memory and storytelling ability. Father John McNalis, the Fire Department chaplain, often spoke about how conversations with Ken could last up to an hour. “He never forgot anything,†McNalis said. “He knew all the details—names, times, companies that responded, and where he was when the call came in.â€
The two worked together for 16 years to complete the four-volume history of Chicago firehouses. Ken grew up in Old Town and had a lifelong connection to the city’s firefighting heritage. His funeral mass will be held at St. Michael’s Church.
From chicagofd.org, a video clip shows Ken at work in the old Main Fire Alarm Office, capturing the early moments of his career. Though the video is brief, it offers a glimpse into the life of a man who dedicated himself to preserving the legacy of the Chicago Fire Department.
Ken Little was more than just a historian—he was a storyteller, a teacher, and a guardian of the city’s rich firefighting history. His passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions will live on through the books he wrote, the people he inspired, and the memories he left behind.