Obituary of Arthur-J. Rice

Arthur J. Rice Oriskany Arthur J. Rice, of Eastern Star Nursing Home, Oriskany, NY, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 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 two daughters and their spouses, Kathleen and Nick Pantazis, of Ava, NY, and Linda and William Kilbourn, of Rome, NY; also five sons and their spouses, William and Diane Rice, of Whitesboro, NY, David Rice, of Chandler, AZ, Stephen and Michelle Rice, of Scottsdale, AZ, Mark and Donna Rice, of Herkimer, NY, and John Rice, of Phoenix, AZ. Also surviving are one sister, Edna Ovitt, of Eastern Star Nursing Home, Oriskany, NY, and a sister-in-law, Terrie Rice, of Canton, NY. He leaves seven 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 January 30, 2011; two sisters, Agnes and Ann; three 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 Sunday, February 5, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. 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, Rome. Please offer online tributes or light a candle at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com Arthur J. Rice