Obituary of Ralph E. Rice

Ralph Elwin Rice

BAINBRIDGE—Ralph E. Rice, 95, passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at Norwich Rehabilitation & Nursing Center surrounded by his family. Ralph was born on November 7, 1923 in Sayre, PA, the 7th of 8 children to Harry and Ruby (Varney) Rice.

He grew up on the family farm and attended Oxford Academy.

He enlisted in the US Navy and Coast Guard in December 1942 and served on the Battleship USS New York, and then as a Gunner's Mate on the Destroyer Escort USS Lowe. He was honorably discharged on October 6, 1945. He was proud to earn his High School diploma after his service.

On February 8, 1945, he was married to Laura Lewis, sharing 49 years together and raising five children. She predeceased him in 1993.

Ralph worked for NYSEG for 17 years before becoming self employed, owning and operating Ralph Rice & Sons Plumbing, Heating & Electric for 40 years.

He was a fireman for 20 years and served on the Bainbridge Town Board for 12 years. He was a life member of the Sidney American Legion Post 183, Sidney VFW Post 7914, Sidney Elks Lodge 2175 and the Unadilla Rod & Gun Club, as well as a Past Master for the Bainbridge Masonic Lodge.

Ralph and Laura enjoyed his early years of retirement going to their winter home in Florida. Later, he shared life with his beloved companion of 24 years, Evelyn Denison who survives him.

Ralph is survived by: his children: JoAnn Carlin (Jim), Gary Rice (Dorey), Douglas Rice (Dorothy), Pat Rice and Marilyn Howe (Alex); grandchildren: Robert Carlin, Kristy Cornell, Sarah Gifford, Terry Rice, Mike Rice and Mark Rice; 16 great-grandchildren; 2 great, great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his wife and parents, Ralph was predeceased by his brothers: Glenn, Max, Harold, Fred and Lawrence, and sisters: Kathryn and Amy.

Friends may call from 6:00-9:00pm on Sunday, July 28, 2019 at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St. Sidney, NY 13838 with a Masonic Service at 7:15pm. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, July 29th at the funeral chapel. Graveside services with military honors will take place on August 9th at 4:00pm in Greenlawn Cemetery, Bainbridge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Sidney American Legion or the Sidney VFW.

Share condolences and memories with the family online at www.landersfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.