Victor E. Rainsford

Victor E. Rainsford passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 22nd, 2018, surrounded by his family. He was 96. Mr. Rainsford was defined by his unending devotion to his wife of 72 years, Mary (Coyle) Rainsford, his Catholic faith, and his loving family. Born in Cape May, NJ on August 21, 1922, he was the youngest of 14 children of the late Edward Dohan Rainsford and Mary Helen Johann Rainsford of Philadelphia. Mr. Rainsford was President and Valedictorian of the class of 1942 at Southeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in December, 1942 and married his high school love Mary Coyle in September, 1944 just before shipping out to Germany. He earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service as Captain, 80th infantry in World War II. He earned a scholarship to Villanova College and graduated with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering in 1950. Mr. Rainsford was President and co-founder of Associated Steam Specialty Company in Drexel Hill, PA. After settling in King of Prussia, PA, Mr. Rainsford was a founding member and chairman of the fundraising committee to build Mother of Divine Providence Church. He helped establish and coach the MDP boys basketball team along with his friend and neighbor, the late John Bolger. He was past president of the Holy Name Society and lifelong member of the Men of Malvern Catholic Retreat. Mr. Rainsford was the patriarch of a large family. Surviving Mr. Rainsford are his 10 children: Ann Rainsford, Patricia (Francis Morrone) Rainsford, Mary (William) Eads, Edward Rainsford, David (Annie) Rainsford, Virginia Rainsford, Victoria (James) Malloy, Michael (Lisa) Rainsford, Christine (Jack) Buddy, Victor P. (Laura) Rainsford, 17 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and many other loving family members. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Kayla M. Buddy; and his 13 brothers and sisters. Relatives and friends are invited to Victor’s Funeral Mass at Mother of Divine Providence Church, 333 Allendale Road, King of Prussia, PA on Friday, December 28th at 10:30AM. Viewings are Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00PM and Friday morning from 9:00 to 10:15AM, both at the church. Interment will be in St. Augustine Cemetery, King of Prussia, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Victor’s memory to Mother of Divine Providence Church, 333 Allendale Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406 or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, 2nd floor, Bethesda, MD 20814.