Edward 'Ned' Densmore

Ned Densmore, 85, of Franconia, died on July 9th 2026. He was born November 16, 1940, in Belmont, MA, a son of the late Ted Densmore and Margaret Robertson Densmore, who both worked at Belmont Hill School, where he was raised and educated. He graduated from Boston University and, after several years in Boston and New York, settled in Northern New Hampshire.

He built, owned, and operated the Village Bookstore in Littleton, NH, with his wife Kathie Lovett. He was honored with the Small Business Association’s Person of the Year Award in 1990 and the U.S. Chamber’s coveted Blue-Chip Award for Excellence. He was treasurer of the American Booksellers Association during a time of upheaval and shifts in the book industry.

Ned was committed to working on ways to improve the North Country, serving on the boards of a number of organizations including the Northern New Hampshire Foundation, Northern Community Investment Corporation, and Ammonoosuc Community Health Services. His bookstore was a catalyst for what became a robust revitalization of downtown Littleton.

In addition to his roles in the book industry, he was active in the democratic party and served for ten years in the NH House, including several terms in leadership positions, including Minority Whip. He was an outstanding orator (sometimes even giving speeches in his sleep!), and he was always fiercely committed to doing the right thing in any situation.

He was a trustee of the Community College System of NH at a time of significant growth and achievement. Prior to that appointment, he had served for five years on the Board of the University System of New Hampshire. Nationally and internationally, he worked on initiatives to bring peace and understanding through committed negotiation and humanitarianism.

He cherished his world at home in Franconia with his wife, daughter, grandchildren, friends, mountains, and seasons.

Members of the family include his wife Kathie Lovett, his daughter Jessica Densmore, son-in-law Jeremy Donovan, granddaughter Burke (16 years old), and his grandson Wells (14 years old). He is survived by his brother Walter Densmore and his sister Caroline Banks.

The family plans a gathering in his honor in the fall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the New Hampshire Food Bank, Ammonoosuc Community Health Services, or an organization of your choice that aligns with his values of caring for people and the community around us.

Memories and condolences may be shared with family at CaledoniaLifeServices.com.