Obituary of Arthur J. Rice

Arthur J. Rice, of Eastern Star Nursing Home, Oriskany, NY went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sat. Jan. 28, 2012 at Rome Memorial Hospital with his family at his side. "Art" was born in Long Lake, NY on June 28, 1925, the son of the late Clarence and Mabel Rice. He attended Long Lake School and served in the U.S. Navy. He married Anne Prichard on July 20, 1946 in Oriskany, NY. He was a member of the Bartlett Baptist Church, Rome where he had previously served as a Trustee. Art began his career as a Chef in the logging camps north of Long Lake, NY. He went on to be Head Chef at many area restaurants, including ownership of Art's Diner in Chadwicks, NY. Art will long be remembered for his loving generosity and kindness to all who knew him. He is survived by his 2 daughters and their spouses, Kathleen and Nick Pantazis of Ava, NY and Linda and William Kilbourn of Rome, NY. Also 5 sons and their spouses, William and Diane Rice, Whitesboro, NY, David Rice, Chandler, AZ, Stephen and Michelle Rice, Scottsdale, AZ, Mark and Donna Rice, Herkimer, NY and John Rice, Phoenix, AZ. Also surviving is one sister, Edna Ovitt of Eastern Star Nursing Home, Oriskany, NY and a sister-in-law, Terrie Rice, Canton, NY. He leaves 7 grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren whom he adored. Art was predeceased by his loving wife Anne of 64 years one year ago on Jan. 30, 2011, 2 sisters, Agnes and Ann and 3 brothers, Clarence Jr., Erik and Lawrence and a grandson, Shawn Pantazis. In accordance with Art's wishes, there will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service to honor his life, at the Bartlett Baptist Church on Sun. Feb. 5, 2012 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bartlett Baptist Church, Bartlett Road, Rome, NY 13440. Interment will be in Long Lake Cemetery, Long Lake, NY on June 30, 2012 at 12 noon. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.