Maurice Andre Rancourt

1942 - 2018

Maurice Andre "Mo" Rancourt, 76, a well- known resident of Main Street in Bennington, Vermont died Sunday, November 25, 2018 at his residence following a brief illness. He was born in Bennington, Vermont on January 30, 1942. He was the son of the late Henry and Lucille (Yandow) Rancourt. Maurice received his education in Bennington where he attended Sacred Heart School and was a 1960 graduate of Bennington Catholic High School where he played football and was selected to the Shrine Team. He married Eloise M. Main of Bennington, VT in 1965. In 1966 he graduated from Saint Michael's College in Winooski, VT. In his earlier years, Maurice was employed at GMAC in Burlington, VT. He later worked for the Prudential Insurance Company after moving to Bennington in 1970 where he and his wife purchased their first home on Lyons Street. He worked at Prudential until his retirement. Mo was an accomplished, passionate musician. He played the trumpet with several area musicians and bands in the Bennington area, the Berkshires, the Catskills, Albany and Schenectady, and was also a member of the New York Musician's Union. In the 1970's and 80's he played the trumpet and sang in his band, Common Courtesy. He also played in a Dixieland band, Sage City Symphony, the Burlington Jazz Festival, and annually for Norman Lear in Shaftsbury. Mo was well known for playing Taps at area funerals since his teenage years. He was also known for singing Louis Armstrong's,"What a Wonderful World" and enjoyed a recent cameo on youtube performing his rendition. Mo was a member of AA since October 7, 1972, and over the last 46 years had sponsored many friends in need. Mo was quick to find the humor in the moment, knew how to tell a good story, and could easily charm his way through any given situation. He also thoroughly enjoyed attending Mount Anthony High School sporting events. He sang the national anthem at both the boys' and girls' varsity basketball games. Survivors include his children: Sharon Rancourt Watson of Bennington, VT, Mark Rancourt of Bennington,VT, Jennifer and her husband/son-in-law Randy Schilling of Washougal, WA, Kristin Rancourt-Miner of Nottingham, N.H. and Michelle Squires of Burlington, VT. He leaves four grandchildren: Logan Miner of Salem, VA, Thea and Nicholas Pappas of Bennington, VT, and Isabella Stone of Burlington, VT. He is survived by a brother, Roger Rancourt of Brunswick, Maine and a sister, Lillian Scrivens of Shaftsbury, VT along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. His cat, Sweetie, was adopted by his daughter Kristin. He was predeceased by three sisters, Claire Hide-Bonefant, Paulita Croker and Marie Krawczyk. The funeral mass will take place at Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church in Bennington on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. where the Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be offered. The burial will take place in the family lot at Saint Francis Xavier Cemetery in Winooski, VT on Monday, December 3, at 12:00 p.m. Friends may call at the Mahar and Son Funeral Home on Friday, November 30, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. If friends desire, contributions in memory of Maurice A. "Mo" Rancourt may be made to either AA in Bennington or Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St., Bennington, VT 05201. Guest book condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net