Linda Murray, chairwoman of the Wolfeboro board of selectmen, says that 82-year-old Robert Copeland resigned today night from the post to which he was re-elected in March.
At a meeting last week, Copeland defiantly refused calls to resign.
The resignation puts to rest a controversy that drew national attention and sparked impassioned debate in Wolfeboro, a lakeside resort town of 6,300 residents.
Copeland admitted using an obscenity followed by the N-word while at a restaurant in March. A resident overheard the remark and complained to town officials.