Dr. Charles "Phil" Littlefield

Dr. Charles Phillip "Phil" Littlefield, beloved father and educator, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born October 13,1947 in Quincy, MA, he was the youngest of two sons to LCDR Nathan W., USN (ret.) and “Deucer” Ruth V (Ramos) Littlefield. He is predeceased by his parents and his brother, SSGT Nathan W. Littlefield, Jr., USAF (ret.).

Raised on Wollaston Beach at the foot of Haviland Street in North Quincy, MA, it would be his Portuguese upbringing and the intangibles of being a Townie in his second hometown of Provincetown, MA that would define his heritage and also shape his character as a boater and fisherman, a sharp wit, an artful woodworking craftsman.   

Phil began his collegiate studies at Boston University in the late 60’s.  Initially in the pre-med program, he intended to pursue a childhood dream and a promise he made to his mother of one day becoming a doctor.  It was his own personal ambition to make a difference in people's lives.  A change in life’s path brought him into a program of studies in education, where he parlayed a natural curiosity, a passion for shaping young minds and an unparalleled intellect to have a meaningful, long-lasting impact, where long after he was gone there may be those that say 'Hey, I remember that guy.' "

Graduating from Boston University in 1969, Phil began a long and impactful legacy in public education as teacher and a Chief Executive.  He launched his career as a teacher in the Hopkinton, MA School System, where he taught biology, chemistry and general Science and served as Curriculum Coordinator; he was also a Class Advisor and a Driver’s Ed. Instructor.   He would then move onto Foxboro, MA where he led the John J Ahern Intermediate School as Principal, before advancing his career to Methuen, MA where he led as Superintendent of Schools for nearly 20 years.  Still motivated to mentor and teach upon retirement after over 40 years in the Massachusetts education system, he transitioned to the New Hampshire SAU #15 School District for nearly 15 years.

He was a faculty member and taught at Southern New Hampshire University and served on the Board of Directors for the Southeastern Regional Educational Service Center (SERESC).  He also taught at Salem State University and University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Throughout his career, Phil continued to advance his own personal and professional growth.  He earned a master’s degree from Framingham State College and CAGS from Worcester State College. Ultimately, Phil’s proudest professional achievement was keeping that promise he made to his mother, earning his doctorate at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Away from the classroom, Phil attained the rank of Sergeant with the Bellingham, MA Auxiliary police.  During his college years, he managed the kitchen at Café’ Poyant summers in Provincetown, and The Hollow Restaurant in Quincy, MA during his undergrad years at Boston University. 

He was most proud of and survived by his children, Charles Phillip, Jr of Methuen, MA, Pamela Greene and her husband James of Salem, NH, Elizabeth Marchand of Laconia, NH and Nathan Littlefield and his wife Lisa of Salem, NH.  He also adored and is survived by his grandchildren Sydney, Dana, Caitlin, Zach, Emily, Josh, Nate Jr, and Abigail, and great-grandchildren Adriana, Hunter, Maverick, MacKenzie, Emma, Mia, Jackson, Grayson, Nora, Leila and Atlas.

Together with his first wife Megan (Kelly), they raised their children to be blessed with kindred spirits, self-determination, and an appreciation of the ocean, the arts, and the encouragement and empowerment to charter each of their own paths and pursue their own ambitions.

Dr. Littlefield leaves behind a legacy of high-achieving school systems, dedicated educators, and countless students who were inspired by his ambition and his mentorship.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a school scholarship fund or taking a moment to provide encouragement and inspiration to someone working to define their own greatness in life, so that they may one day say “Hey, I remember that guy…”

Services are private. Arrangements are by the Goundrey Dewhirst Funeral Home 42 Main Street Salem, NH. To leave an online condolence please visit Dr Littlefield’s tribute page at www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com.

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