Obituary of Richard D. Rice

RICE – Richard D. “Dick” Sr., 66, Portage, passed away after a brief illness Dec. 2, 2012, at Altoona Hospital. Born Nov. 29, 1946, in Johnstown, son of Charles W. and V. Mae (Haden) Rice. Preceded in death by parents and son, Richard D. “Rich” Jr. Survived by loving wife of 43 years, Suzanne (Coughlin) Rice; son, Jeffrey Rice, and wife, Wendy (Bortz), Macungie; and granddaughters, Isabel and Emma Rice. Brother of Barbara Ann, wife of Michael McDade, Bangor, Maine, and Philip D. Rice, and wife, Michele (Taylor), Ebensburg. Also survived by niece, Lauren Rice, and numerous other nieces, nephews and in-laws. Dick was a graduate of Central Cambria High School and Valley Forge Military Junior College. He was a graduate of Defiance College, Ohio, where he received his teaching degree and then enrolled in Penn State University, where he obtained his principal certification. Upon completion of his bachelor’s degree and certification, Dick received his master’s degree in special education from Clarion University. He was a former employee of Cresson and Ebensburg Centers, where he retired after many years in management. He was a founding member of the Cambria Cadets, a president of both Portage Area Planning Commission, Portage Area Public Library and a member of Bethany United Methodist Church. Dick was a very active member of the Portage community, but most of all he was always there for his family and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Matthew R. Decort Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Portage, where funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, the Rev. James Rank, officiating. Committal, Lloyd Cemetery, Ebensburg. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Dick’s name to the Portage Public Library and/or the Portage Volunteer Fire Company.