Brien L. Ward, 73, passed away at home on November 8, 2025, with his loving wife Connie Ward by his side.
Brien was born to John L. Ward & Kathleen (Whelpley) Ward on April 10,1952 in Littleton, New Hampshire. He attended Littleton High School (Class of 1970), where he was an All-State running back in football. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1974, upon graduation, he worked at the family business, Ward Mechanical. Thereafter, he went to law school and received his Juris Doctorate from Franklin Pierce Law Center in 1986. In 1987, Brien established his private law practice, where he dedicated the next 35 years to providing trusted legal support to the North Country. He also served as Assistant Grafton County Attorney for six years.
Brien’s two main passions in life were his family and the town of Littleton. To his family, he was a dedicated husband to his wife Connie. They recently celebrated their 45 th wedding anniversary. He was also a devoted father to his children, and a doting Papa to all eight of his grandchildren. He would travel all over New Hampshire to watch his grandchildren play sports, and to offer his words of encouragement.
To the town of Littleton, Brien left a legacy as an advocate for both his community and the entire North Country. His lifelong commitment to public service included serving as the President of Littleton Little League, Littleton’s Economic Development Task Force (Founder), Planning Board (Chairman), Main Street, Inc. (President), Earth Day Committee (Chairman), Littleton School Board, Industrial Development Corporation (LIDC). In addition, he also served the town as a Selectman, the Economic Advisor, and a New Hampshire State Representative working as Vice-Chairman of the Education Committee. His substantial contributions led Brien to being awarded Littleton Citizen of the Year in 1993.
He was also recognized for all of his service to the local community in May 2022, when Brien received a commendation from Governor Chris Sununu and the Executive Council. The commendation noted that “Brien’s leadership helped bring people together for the good of their community, and his efforts have helped Littleton grow and thrive.” Brien’s record of service to the town of Littleton is unmatched and his legacy helped pave the way for Littleton’s future. Brien will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his warmth, drive, and optimism.
Surviving family members include his devoted wife, Connie Ward; his children John (Jeanette) Ward, Brennan (Elise) Ward and Colby (Patrick) Ward Dawley; and his 8 grandchildren, Madison Ward, Jack Ward, Delaney Dawley, Adeline Ward, Miles Ward, Maren Dawley, Quinlan Dawley, and Cora Ward.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of Remich Park to support the Town Pool and related projects through Paypal (@forpnh) or a check made payable to Friends of Remich Park, 2 Union St, Littleton, NH 03561. Visiting hours are from 4PM to 7PM on Thursday, November 20, at Ross Funeral Home, 282 W Main St, Littleton, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Friday, November 21, at St. Rose of Lima Church, 82 High St, Littleton, NH, with Father Ryan Amazeen officiating.
The family would also like to welcome friends and family to join for a celebration of Brien’s life on Friday, November 21, from 12:30PM to 3PM at the Maplewood Country Club, 2691 Main St, Bethlehem, NH. Please bring any stories you would like to share.
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