State Rep. Belanger Passes Away

SALEM, NH — A long-time community and Republican activist and current state representative in Salem has passed away, according to state officials. State Rep. Ronald Belanger, R-Salem, of Braemoor Woods Road in Salem, was serving a 13th term representative and was retired Massachusetts police officer. He served on the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee.

In a statement, Gov. Chris Sununu said he and his family were saddened to hear of his passing.

“Ron was a giant in Salem politics and made immeasurable contributions to his community as a selectman and planning board member, and to New Hampshire as a state representative,” he said. “Ron was a longtime friend of the Sununu family, and we will miss his friendship and dedication to constituent service. Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the Belanger family.”

Senate President Chuck Morse, a Republican who also represents Salem, called him a good friend for many years.

“Susan and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rep. Ron Belanger,” Morse said. “Salem is a better place to live because of his years of service in Concord and as a leader in the community … he will be greatly missed throughout greater Salem. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

NH GOP Chairwoman Jeanie Forrester also offered thoughts and prayers to the Belanger family.

"We are sad to learn of Rep. Ronald Belanger's passing,” she said, adding that he would be “remembered for his significant years of service to New Hampshire and the town of Salem where he lived.”

Funeral information was not available at post time.

Patch file photo.