John "Steve" Vaillancourt

MANCHESTER - John Steven "Steve" Vaillancourt, 65, died suddenly, Monday, March 27, 2017, in his home.

Steve was born on Dec. 1, 1951, in Middlebury, Vt., the son of the late Ione Dunham and John Vaillancourt.

He attended Vergennes Union High School and graduated with high honors. Steve went on to study history at Plymouth State University where he discovered his passion for broadcasting. He was the original "Voice of the Panthers" reporting on the university sports teams, was the sports editor for the student newspaper and radio station. He also broadcast a weekly sports highlight show.

Steve was inducted into the Plymouth State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996.

Steve continued his passion for broadcasting and journalism with his longtime community cable access shows in Manchester, Politically Alert and More Politically Alert, and a blog where he would chronicle Queen City and State House politics.

For a time Steve worked in the Manchester area, delivering mail, and fell in love with the city and purchased his home on Faith Lane.

Steve was a dedicated public servant. He served as a Manchester alderman and was currently serving his 10th term as a New Hampshire State Representative. Among his legislative accomplishments were advocating for same sex marriage, the legalization of marijuana and ending greyhound racing.

In his free time, Steve enjoyed researching and writing at the Manchester City Library. He was an avid Red Sox fan. He loved to visit and experience the culture of Montreal and would spend weeks in his hometown of Vergennes, Vt., enjoying time with his brother.

Steve was a private person but those who knew him will remember him as a loving brother, a great friend and passionate about the issues he believed in.

Steve is survived by his brother, Norm Dunham, and his wife, Pauline; his niece, Angel; and grand-niece Cheyenne, all of Vergennes, Vt.
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SERVICES: At Steve's request, his services will be private. Memorial donations may be made in Steve's honor to the Manchester City Library, 405 Pine St., Manchester, NH 03101.