Robert Littell, longtime state legislator, dies
By Nathan Mayberg
FRANKLIN — Robert Littell, the Franklin legislator who served in the New Jersey State Assembly and Senate for 40 years, has died.
Littell, who was 78, served in the Assembly from 1968 to 1992 and in the State Senate from 1992 until 2008.
He represented all of Sussex County as state senator.
Littell was the son of Alfred Littell, a former longtime state senator and assemblyman who also served as a Sussex County Freeholder.
Littell's daughter is Assemblywoman Allison Littell McHose. He and McHose served simultaneously in the state legislature. Littell is also survived by his wife Ginnie, son Luke and sister Nancy Wesighan.
Littell was a Koren War veteran who also served previously on the Franklin Borough Council.
Littell was succeeded by Senator Steve Oroho in the 24th District after announcing his retirement.
Oroho issued a statement on Friday, stating “New Jersey lost a giant today. Senator Littell was universally respected because of his fairness and institutional knowledge, but most of all because he was a true gentleman. Even at the highest levels of state politics, he maintained his humble nature. He much preferred to be known simply as “Bob” as opposed to any political title. I considered him a good friend, neighbor and mentor. He leaves a lasting legacy on the state and most especially his beloved home county of Sussex.
I know friends, neighbors, constituents and elected officials from all over join me in expressing our sincere condolences to his wife, Ginnie, his daughter, my colleague Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose, his son, Luke, and the entire Littell family who have deep roots in Sussex County. We not only convey our deepest sympathies, but celebrate and remember Senator Littell’s enduring contributions to the state’s citizenry.”
Assemblyman Parker Space, who represents Sussex County, stated “My family and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Senator Littell, who we all affectionately called Bob at his request. He was good friends with my late grandfather Ralph and my dad Fred for decades, where I got to know him when I was a young man. As an elected official, it was a privilege to work with him while he was in office during my tenure on the Wantage Township Committee.
“It is humbling to know that I am serving the people of northwestern New Jersey in the same position, as a member of the General Assembly, in which Bob served with distinction for 22 years before being elected to the State Senate. New Jersey lost a fine legislator and public servant when he retired in 2007; today his family has lost a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather while we all lost a friend.”
Sussex County Board of Freeholder Phil Crabb posted a message on Twitter which said "RIP Senator Bob Littell. Great Statesman. Good friend and neighbor. The political lion of Sussex County."
Republican Assembly Leader Jon Bramnick issued condoleneces on behalf of Assembly Republicans.
In a prepared statement, Bramnick said “I am truly saddened to learn of Senator Littell’s passing. The senator’s 40 years of service in the Legislature is testimony to his dedication to the people of New Jersey. Senator Littell was a great public servant and will be sorely missed. Alison’s public service is a tribute to her father’s legacy. On behalf of the Assembly Republican caucus, I offer my heartfelt condolences to Alison and her family.”
The family will receive their friends at the F. John Ramsey Funeral Home, One Main Street, Franklin, NJ on Monday, November 17, 2014 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. Burial will be private. Memorial gifts to Ginnie’s House,P.O. Box 3156, Newton, NJ 07860 would be appreciated. Information and condolences can be found at www.fjohnramseyfuneralhome.com