Obituary of Donald C Rice

Donald C. “Don” Rice, 87, of Cassadaga, NY passed away Sunday morning November 21, 2021 at his home with his loving family at his side.

He was the youngest of six children, born on March 27, 1934 in Villenova, NY, the son of the late Stanley and Mildred (Wolfe) Rice. On April 9, 1960 he married Mary Nehring in Eden, NY.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Mary “Marie” Rice; a daughter Deborah Rice of Sheridan; two sons, Keith (Mary) Rice of Angola, NY and Glenn Rice of Blasdell; six grandchildren, Chelsi Mikowski, Zak (Becca) Rice, Max Mikowski, Donald C. Rice II, Karl and Austin Rice; four great grandchildren, Colton, Braydon, Olivia, and Archer; a sister, Thelma Vankouwenberg; several nieces and nephews, great- nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Lynn and Gerald Rice and two sisters, Janice Copeland and Betty Kestner.

Don attended Eden Central School and graduated from Plant City High School, Plant City, FL. in 1953 and served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959, U.S. Army Reserve until 1963. He was a carpenter and millwright for the Carpenter’s Union Local #9 in Buffalo, NY. Don worked on numerous projects in WNY and was very proud to have helped build the Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Don belonged to the Western Star Lodge #1185 F. & A.M. in Lackawanna, NY for more than 50 years.

He had a gregarious personality who made instant friends with anybody he met. He enjoyed square dancing with Marie, playing cards (euchre), playing baseball, coaching hardball and softball. Most of all he loved spending time with the family, especially his grandchildren.

A Celebration of Donald’s life will be held on December 18, 2021 at the Christ Chapel Wesleyan Church, 64 Buffalo St. Silver Creek, NY at 10:30 AM.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hole-Parker Funeral Chapel, 160 Central Ave. Silver Creek, NY.

Please share condolences at www.holeparkerfc.com.