Lawrence Rancourt

1936 - 2018

LAKELAND, Fla. - Lawrence "Larry" Rancourt passed peacefully on Tuesday, September 25, 2018. Larry had suffered from Alzheimer's over the past few years of his life, but the long walk home enabled his many friends and family the chance to visit and say goodbye.

Rancourt was born in Readsboro, VT in 1936 to Livia Maroni Rancourt and Francis Rancourt. Larry grew up in Shelburne Falls, MA where he attended Arms Academy, played in the band and led the football, basketball and baseball teams to many victories. Larry attended Admiral Farragut Academy in Pine Beach, NJ where he continued to excel in leadership and athletics, preparing him for his service in the Army & National Guard. Larry was awarded a full scholarship to Holy Cross College where he continued to grow in his Catholic faith while playing football and baseball.

Larry caught the eye of professional baseball scouts when his 1958 Holy Cross baseball team won the District One bracket from New England and then beat USC and Clemson to open the Series on Omaha. A highly sought-after player by the professional scouts, Larry was a catcher, but uniquely a left-handed hitter. Rancourt would ultimately sign with the Cincinnati Reds and spend five seasons in their system, enjoying several Spring Training opportunities with the Big League team. Larry was the catcher on the 1961 Topeka Reds Championship team where he and Tommy Harper were frequent road roommates. Harper and Rancourt may have been the first racially integrated roommate assignment in professional sports.

During his time with the Reds in Tampa baseball Larry met and married Sylvia Ernestine Barley from Brewster, FL. Larry retired from baseball and returned to his home in Shelburne Falls, MA where he bought Joyce's Menswear, renamed it Larry's Clothing and Footwear and grew the business to support his family. Larry and Ernestine would run Larry's as a small, family owned business for the next 30 years and raise their three children. Larry was a fixture in the Shelburne Falls community where he co-founded the Shelburne Falls Business Association. Larry spent countless hours supporting the Shelburne Falls Visitors Center and coaching Kiwanis Youth Basketball, Pee Wee and Babe Ruth baseball. Larry was involved in nearly every community effort through the years and led the charge to fund, purchase and install Christmas lights for the business district every holiday season. As a downtown merchant and active supporter of all Mohawk Warrior sports, Larry touched the lives of many young people in the community. Larry and Ernestine retired to Lakeland, Florida twenty years ago.

A devoted husband and father, Larry leaves us after 56 years of marriage to Ernestine, who stood by his side and supported him through baseball, child rearing, business and his struggle with Alzheimer's. As husband, father and community leader, Larry set an amazing example for his children, rarely missing their games or events. He leaves behind a brother, Dennis, two sons, Jason (and Claudia) Rancourt, David (and Regan) Rancourt and a daughter Renee (and Chris) Jones. He was the proud grandfather to Wyatt and Gabrielle Rancourt (David) and to Isabelle Jones (Renee) who had the great pleasure of spending time with their grandfather for many years during his retirement.

To honor his memory, the Rancourt family will celebrate a special Mass at St. Joseph's Church in Shelburne Falls later this year. In lieu of Flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Shelburne Falls Visitors Center at 75 Bridge Street, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370.