Obituary: Stuart Gersen of Longfellow Books

Stuart Michael Gersen, the co-owner of Portland, Maine’s Longfellow Books, died of lung cancer on January 17, 2015. He was 64 years old.

Gersen, a beloved member of the Portland community, ran Longfellow Books with his friend and business partner Chris Bowe since 2001, according to an obituary in the Portland Press Herald. In addition to being an advocate for authors and readers for most of his adult life, Gersen was a strong supporter of “keeping Portland independent.” He was a founding member of the city's Buy Local organization and served on its board.

Funeral services were in Portland on Tuesday, January 20. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New England Cancer Center or the Portland Public Library.