Edward S. Anderson, 88, of Exeter, NH, died Saturday, December 14, 2019, in his home with his family by his side. He was born in Boston, MA on December 30, 1930, a son of Max and Hazel (Whitehouse) Anderson. Edward moved to Derry, NH in 1964 and lived there for nearly 40 years, becoming one of the most active and important citizens of Derry. The Governor of New Hampshire signed a Proclamation declaring March 27, 2003 "Edward Anderson Day" in New Hampshire, when he retired from the Derry News after 32 years.
Some of his community contributions include being a volunteer firefighter and moderator for the East Derry Fire Department, a selectmen, a member of the zoning board, president of the Derry Chamber of Commerce, director and longtime volunteer of the Derry Boys and Girls Club, president of the Nuffield United Way, amongst many other posts. His fraternal contributions with the Derry-Salem Elks and state Elks organizations, along with the Derry Rotary Club, have contributed greatly to the town and the state. His awards for his service include the Paul Harris Fellow, Elk of the Year for Derry-Salem, Citizen of the Year, along with numerous other awards.
His political work espoused his deep love for the State of New Hampshire, and many candidates - from selectmen to president - sought him out to be an important cog in their campaigns. He served as town Chairman, even acting as the unofficial Mayor during a political shift of the town's government. His last contribution was an anatomical donation to Harvard Medical School, stating "I've had this body for 88 years, let someone else use it now". He was a true humanitarian.
Of his six children, he is survived by two sons, Phillip Anderson of Exeter, NH and Edward Anderson Jr of Nashua, NH; two daughters, Julieann Kimplen and Halley Anderson of Selma NC. He is also survived by six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Edward is predeceased by his brother Roger Whitehouse and daughter Mary Anderson.
Calling hours were held on Saturday, December 21, 2019 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM in the Peabody Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry.