Beloved Bangor Bookstore Owner Eric Furry Dies at 76

Furry opened Pro Libris Bookshop in 1980 and was remembered for his love of books and customers

Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:55pm

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Eric Furry, the longtime owner of Pro Libris Bookshop in Bangor, Maine, passed away on January 18, 2026 at the age of 76. Furry opened the bookstore in 1980 after moving to Bangor in the 1970s and spent the next 46 years running the shop, becoming a beloved figure in the community known for his dedication to books and his customers.

Why it matters

Furry's passing marks the end of an era for independent bookstores in Bangor, as Pro Libris was one of the last remaining locally-owned bookshops in the city. His commitment to creating a welcoming community space and connecting readers with the right books made him an institution in the city.

The details

Furry would arrive at the bookstore before sunrise each morning to open up, often without socks even in the winter. He was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of the over 30,000 books in stock and his ability to recommend the perfect title to customers, some of whom had been visiting the shop since childhood. Furry spent his free time at home reading by the beach, though he was also a NASCAR fan who cheered on his favorite driver Ricky Craven.

  • Eric Furry opened Pro Libris Bookshop in Bangor in 1980.
  • Furry passed away on January 18, 2026 at the age of 76.

The players

Eric Furry

The longtime owner of Pro Libris Bookshop in Bangor, Maine who passed away in January 2026 at the age of 76 after operating the store for 46 years.

Vera Furry

Eric Furry's wife, who is considering selling Pro Libris Bookshop as a whole so the store can continue after her husband's passing.

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What they’re saying

“He would talk to people and try to make them feel better about life.”

— Vera Furry, Eric Furry's wife

“There's not one person that would have anything bad to say about Eric.”

— Vera Furry, Eric Furry's wife

What’s next

Vera Furry is considering selling Pro Libris Bookshop as a whole so the store can continue operating after her husband's passing.

The takeaway

Eric Furry's dedication to books, his customers, and creating a welcoming community space at Pro Libris Bookshop made him a beloved figure in Bangor, and his passing marks the end of an era for independent bookstores in the city.