L. Richard 'Dick' Littlefield

Dick Littlefield died July 27, 2024, after a period of failing health. He was 83. Dick was born in Boston on January 31, 1941, to Dr. Leland A. and Alice (Sangster) Littlefield. Raised in Cambridge, he was a graduate of Belmont Hill School and later earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

After a short tenure in the human resource arena, he moved into academia in the field of counseling and student personnel first at SUNY, Oswego and then at the University of Delaware. As an assistant director of residence life in Delaware, he helped nurture several specialty residences including immersive foreign language houses, a women’s studies residence and an academic honors house.

 In 1976 he married Liz Moser and they settled in New Hampshire. Always a collector with a sharp eye for bargains, Dick founded Littlefield Antiques and became very knowledgeable in the field of antique firearms. Though he always enjoyed the search for rare or unusual pieces, his true self was most apparent as an educator and mentor. Widely known as an expert in antique American gun manufacturing, he answered all questions asked of him with patience, humor and clarity.

 An inveterate traveler, Dick was known to put 50,000 miles per year on his minivan, attending trade shows, exploring back roads and visiting friends all over the US.

 After 40 years of research, he co-authored the book Frank Wesson, Gunmaker, the definitive work on the subject.

 Dick was pre-deceased by his parents and his sister, A. Eleanor Hunter. He leaves behind his wife of 47 years, son Aaron, daughter Rachel (Ross) Faska, three wonderful granddaughters, several nieces and nephews, and many friends and colleagues.

 A Celebration of Life will be held at The United Church of Jaffrey, 54 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452 on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 1:00 pm with a reception to follow. The Rev. Mark Koyama will officiate.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Jaffrey-Rindge Memorial Ambulance PO Box 107, Jaffrey, NH 03452, or to The United Church of Jaffrey, 54 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452.