Harold J. Duranceau Jr

On Wednesday, December 7, 2022, Harold James Duranceau, fondly known as “Jim”, passed away in his home at the age of 75. He was born in Biddeford, Maine on January 11, 1947 to Harold J. Duranceau Sr. and Marcelle W. Cote. He is survived by his wife Sandra Duranceau, of Sanford, after a wonderful 49 years of marriage, his three children Doreen & (Marc) Dube, Nelson & (Jen) Duranceau, and Darren Duranceau, his siblings Sandra & (Paul) Daigle and Gary & (Linda) Duranceau, and six grandchildren Autumn, Garrett, Cassie, Allie, Jack, and Megan who he loved dearly. He is also survived by two nephews and several cousins. He was a member of the North Parish Congregational Church and a Vietnam Veteran. Jim grew up in Hills Beach, where he discovered his love for the ocean. Throughout his life you could find him boating and fishing with friends and family, pleased with the excitement on everyone’s face when they caught a fish. During his younger days, he embraced the winters with snowmobiling and bonfires, and enjoyed camping in the summers. Jim had a deep appreciation for the outdoors during any season, and his two month-long trips to Alaska, and the wildlife he saw there, was one of his favorite memories to share. During his later years, Jim loved spending his winters in Florida with his wife and neighbors who he quickly called friends. His home in Maine was known for his elaborate Christmas decorations, attracting lines of cars in awe of the winter wonderlands he would create. Living in sunny Florida didn’t stop him from building these magical scenes, as he would merrily string lights and bring the Christmas spirit to everyone there as well. His grandchildren, who he was deeply proud of, remember the extravagant lights and the big living room Christmas tree they would hang ornaments on together. Jim knew how to enjoy the simple moments in life. Whether this was hosting a lobster bake for his family, watching his grandchildren’s sports games, swapping stories with his siblings, playing cribbage with his Florida buddies, taking casino trips with friends, or spending time at home with Sandra and their cats: Tuxedo, Boots, Buttercup, and Jasmine, he was happiest when with loved ones. A warm thank you to the loving care givers who went above and beyond for Jim - Kristi, Jen, Arlene, Peg, Mike and Jayda and more from Maine Health Care at Home. A funeral service with Military Honors is being held at 2:00 pm on Friday, December 16, 2022 at North Parish Congregational Church in Sanford, ME. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s honor to the Animal Welfare Society, P.O. Box 43, West Kennebunk, Maine 04094 or the North Parish Congregational Church, 893 Main Street, Sanford, Maine 04073. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.