Rodney G. Vaillancourt

Rodney G. Vaillancourt, 79, of Bolton, CT, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2025. Born in Hartford, CT, on January 28, 1946, Rodney was the son of the late Lillian (Poitras) and Sylvio Vaillancourt of Van Buren, Maine. Rodney graduated from Hartford High School, Class of 1966, after attending St. Ann's, and then joined the United States Army (Co.D, 3rd Ba, 1st Br). He is a Vietnam Veteran who was deployed and proudly served during years 1966-68 with the 25th Infantry 4th Division. Rodney had a long dedicated career with CTTransit in Hartford, where he worked as a bus driver, Operator 908, for over 35 years, retiring in 2012. He was also an awarded bartender. He was a member of the French Social Circle, where over the years he has served as a board member, helped in the kitchen and worked the Hebron Fair booth every year with his good friend Richard Martel serving Poutine. He's known for his love of karaoke, where his deep singing voice always brought a smile to those who listened, especially Alice. He was also a member of the American Legion post 14 and the Elks Club lodge 1893. Rodney enjoyed camping with his family and in years past was a dedicated Boy Scout leader with the LDS Mormon Church. A skilled cook and a lover of good food, Rodney delighted in preparing and enjoying meals. He also enjoyed watching UCONN basketball and cheering on the Huskies. Rodney is lovingly remembered by his three devoted daughters, whom he shared with his ex wife Katharina Owen, Vyera and her husband Jay Dillon of West Hartford, CT, Cora and her husband Jeff Evans of Longmeadow, MA, and Nicole and her husband Stephen Barry of New Hartford, CT. He leaves behind his grandchildren: Brian Tracy and his wife Michelle, Jason Dillon and his wife Ashley, Kaley and Matt Dillon, Chase and Cole Evans, Brynn and Shannon Barry, as well as great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Harper Dillon, and Austin and Emlyn Tracy. He is survived by his brother, Eugene Vaillancourt, of Enfield, CT. As well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless dear friends who will greatly miss his kind heart and friendly spirit. Rodney is survived by his loving and committed significant other, Patricia Martens, of Vernon, CT, who blessed his life when she came into it and whom he deeply loved. He leaves behind Pat's daughters Sharon and Laurie and their husbands Andy and Kenny, grandson Cory and his wife Brittany. Rodney was predeceased by his brothers Kenneth, Wayne, and Gilman Vaillancourt. He was also predeceased by his longtime companion Judy Samito. Rodney will be remembered for his warmth, his big smile and infectious laughter, and his love for his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Visitation hours will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Tierney Funeral Home located at 219 West Center Street in Manchester, CT, with visitation hours from 10 a.m. until noon. Military honors and a prayer service will be held. Followed by a celebration of life at the French Social Circle in Vernon CT. Burial will be private.