Arline Littman

Colonie - With great sadness, we announce the passing of Arline C. Littman, age 96, who died peacefully at her home in Colonie, NY on November 8, 2023.

Born July 23, 1927 in the Bronx, NY, the second child of Rose (nee DeFlorio) and Gennaro (Jerry) Caruso, she grew up in a world of family and friends. After graduating from high school, she left NYC briefly to complete training as a dietician at Mary McClellan Hospital in Cambridge, NY before returning to Manhattan to work with a psychiatrist who spent summers in Ithaca, NY. There Arline met chemical engineering student, Howard Littman. On July 3rd 1955 they were married and in 1956, moved to Syracuse, NY. In their marriage, their talents complemented each other and created a whole. Arline continued her education at CCNY and then Syracuse University. Arline and Howard were instrumental in founding the Onondaga Hill Free Library.

In 1965, they moved to the Capital District, NY. In addition to raising three children Arline was very active at RPI as president of the Women’s Club, and teaching inner city youth in Troy, NY life skills as part of RPI multicultural student organization, MOBY (Motivation of Black Youth). She was an early activist in the woman’s movement in the 60s and 70’s. She was instrumental as campaign manager in electing her friend Betty Bean, the late local congresswoman. She blossomed after obtaining her real estate and broker’s license as a real estate developer. She was associated with Reynolds-Chalmers and Veronica W. Lynch Real Estate firms where in addition to her client work she developed Baldwin Farms, in Niskayuna, NY and other projects. She was an entrepreneur, and when a client from Iceland wanted to buy a house for his young children attending Union College she was soon after in the Icelandic Woolens business. When a friend made her aware of an opportunity to invest in Jackson Hewitt Tax Business soon after she owned some of the highest grossing franchises in Virginia Beach. She also invested in a tour boat business in Old Forge, NY with her son.

Her master vision was ShakerBay, at the bend of the Mohawk River just off River Road in Colonie, NY. Arline created a unique country environment in which the architecture of the grand homes complement the natural terrain. She immediately saw the possibility of what it was to be and was master at all aspects from purchasing the land, to forming an investor partnership, working with architects, builders, and regulators to create a one of a kind Martha’s Vineyard type country atmosphere in the heart of our town.

She was a lot of fun, had a great sense of humor and worked to create community both at RPI, Syracuse and wherever she was. She’s loved to cook, sew, laugh, travel and help others. She had a great sense of humor. She loved

the beauty and tranquility of the Adirondacks and enjoyed entertaining at the lodge on Big Moose Lake. She will always be remembered for her zest for life, love of nature and many interests.

She is survived by her daughter Susan and son Paul, grandchildren Mara, Andreas, Marcus and Madelyn, great grandson Mason, as well as numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and other relatives. She is pre-deceased by her husband Howard, brother Jerry, as well as her daughter Vicki.

A service will be held at Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on Monday November 13th at 11:30 AM. A celebration of her life will follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to: your favorite travel, nature or humanitarian charity.

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