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Obituary for Theodore Joseph "Ted" Rancont Jr.
A REMARKABLE MAN IS GONE
Theodore Joseph Rancont (Ted) was born November 17, 1932, to Theodore and Josephine Rancont in Cleveland, Ohio. He and his brother Ronald grew up in Detroit. Ted and his wife Diane have been married for 61 wonderful years. Their children are Maia Braun (Don) of Hartland, Vicki Rancont (John) of Fenton, Dr. Christopher Rancont (Kelly) of Ann Arbor and Alexandra Rancont (Jason) of Brighton. They enjoy their nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
After graduation from Redford High School in Detroit, Ted went to the University of Detroit. His education was interrupted by the U.S. Army with posting to Paris, France. While there he attended the Alliance Fracaise and later worked for La Techeque Cinemagraphic. He returned to the U.S and was editor of Four Corners Press in Starke, FL., The St. Clair County Press and a reporter for The Ann Arbor News. It was there he met his future wife, Diane Fraser---a fellow reporter who sat at the desk in front of him. They were married April 8, 1961.
He continued his education at the University of Michigan and earned both his AB and MA degrees with honors. He received three prestigious Hopwood Awards for playwriting as an undergraduate. He was known for his reviews as drama and music critic for the Ann Arbor News. In 1966 he worked for the Ypsilanti Greek Theater and later for Meadowbrook Theatre and became a member of ATPAM (Association of theatrical press agents and managers). In 1968 he began teaching at Orchard Ridge campus of Oakland Community College. He spent the next 30 years as a professor of communications at OCC and produced one season of the TV program “World of Art.” After retirement, Ted and Diane spent almost three years in Beijing, China, as editors for China Daily. They traveled over most of China during this time.
The Ranconts spent their summers sailing the Great Lakes or camping across the country. Both are certified scuba divers and Ted is a licensed pilot. For many years, Ted taught a class in Great Lakes sailing and navigation. After retiring, they traveled over much of the world and visited friends in Europe, Asia and Australia.
Ted says he never did anything to earn a living that he didn’t enjoy doing.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to:
OCC Foundation 2480 Opdyke Rd. Bloomfield Hills, MI 483304-2266
Parkinson's Foundation 200 SE 1st Street Suite 800 Miami, FL 33131
Previous Events
Service
Friday
17
Jun
11:00 AM6/17/2022 11:00:00 AM
Church of the Holy Spirit
3700 Harvey Lake Road Highland, MI 48357
Friends and family may gather at the church beginning at 10:00AM.
