LYMAN — George A. Rancourt passed away peacefully Sunday, Nov. 9 at home, with his family by his side, after a long and prosperous life.
He was born in St. Margaret, Dorchester, Quebec on Sept. 23, 1925, the son of Joseph and Marie Lehouiller Rancourt.
George’s father passed away at the age of 39. George’s mother had a brother in the United States who helped the family ”“ five girls and one boy ”“ get settled in Biddeford. George was 4 years old and entered the United States under his mother’s papers. While looking for work, George’s mother received a letter from President Franklin Roosevelt’s office with the opportunity to participate in the Works Progress Administration.
George was educated in the Biddeford school system before he enlisted at the age of 17 in the United States Marine Corps to fight in World War II. George left in September 1942, and within six months, was on his way for advanced training. As part of the First Marine Division, he was one of the Marines who landed on Guadalcanal. He was also a part of the troops who fought in Saipan and Bougainville. He was buried alive and wounded twice before being sent to Boston for treatment.
George worked for the Pepperell Mills upon returning from the service, then later worked for York Heel, Eastern Plastics and Brunswick Transportation before retiring. George was active in the Elks Lodge (BPOE) serving as exalted ruler of the Saco Lodge and as state president of the Maine Elks Association.
Though he had an illustrious and diverse working and volunteer life and proud military history, his greatest legacy is his family. He never wavered in his belief in and support of his wife, children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by: his sisters, Aurore Descoteaux, Germaine Larouche, Irene Rice and Helen Brouillette; and his brother, Leo Rancourt.
George leaves behind: his wife of 68 years, Irene Lonsdale Rancourt, whom he met at the Bicycle Safety Club Drum and Bugle Corps; his three children, Ann Marie Rancourt of Swanzey, New Hampshire, Carol Ann Fitzwater and her husband Cleil of Manassas, Virginia and Robert George Rancourt and his wife Margaret of Lindstrom, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Christopher Nason and his wife Molly of Mamaroneck, New York, Rebecca Bartholomew of Tampa, Florida, Robert George Rancourt Jr. and his wife Brooke, Joseph Rancourt and his wife Valerie and Shawn Rancourt and his wife Amy, all of St. Paul; nine great-grandchildren; his sister, Marie Descoteaux of Biddeford; his sister-in-law, Juliette Lonsdale of Saco; and several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews in the United States and Canada.
Visiting hours are from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014 at Cote Funeral Home, 87 James St., Saco. A funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Joseph Church, Good Shepherd Parish, in Biddeford at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14, 2014. Burial with military honors will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco. Arrangements are by Cote Funeral Home, Saco. To sign the guestbook or leave condolences, go to www.cotefuneralhome.com.
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