Gilmanton Republican state representative dies

Rep. Harry Bean, 71, was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018. (Photo by Dave Cummings/New Hampshire Bulletin)

New Hampshire state Rep. Harry Bean, a Gilmanton Republican, has died, his colleagues announced in messages of sympathy and mourning over the weekend.

“Our caucus mourns the loss of our beloved member, Rep. Harry Bean,” the NH House Republicans wrote on the social media site X Saturday. “Rep. Bean faithfully served the people of NH. He was an advocate for veterans, balanced budgets, and a champion arm wrestler. We will miss him dearly and thank him and his family for his service to our state.”

Gov. Kelly Ayotte also expressed her gratitude for Bean’s work in the Legislature.

“Rep. Harry Bean was a devoted public servant, husband, father, and grandfather, and I’m saddened to hear of his passing today,” she said in a statement. “Harry was always a steadfast advocate for Belknap County and dedicated to making our entire state an even better place to live. Joe and I are praying for Priscilla and the entire Bean family. He will be dearly missed.”

Bean, 71, was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018. He represented Gilmanton and Laconia Ward 2. In the most recent budget cycle, he served on a budget subcommittee.

“Hearing of the passing of Rep. Harry Bean of Gilford who served with me on the House Finance Committee,” House Deputy Democratic Leader Laura Telerski wrote on X Saturday. “Extending my sincere condolences to his family and friends tonight.”

House Majority Leader Jason Osborne called him “a stalwart of Belknap County” and said he will always remember attending the Bean family barbecues. Rep. Steven Bogert, of Laconia, called him a “dear friend” and credited him with helping “reshape Belknap County.” Bogert added that “his leadership has driven our county to be better and better.”