John T. Rice

John Thomas Rice, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family, friends, and beloved cats after a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma.He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Holly P. Rice, and his three children, Victoria Rice Bean, Lisa Rice Greedy and C. J. Rice, as well as seven grandchildren, and one great grandson.He will also be greatly missed by his many kind and loyal friends, who provided an unfailing and steady stream of love, support and encouragement.He was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on January 10th, 1934 and moved to New York City in 1942 where he lived. He graduated from Fordham University with a degree in Physics and then served in the US Navy as a Lieutenant J.G. from 1955-1959 and was a graduate of OCS in Newport. He moved with his family back to Newport in 1974 and retired from a 25 year career with IBM in 1991. John was an avid supporter of the Newport Music Festival and was a friendly and familiar face to its many patrons, in his role of volunteer director form 1979-2010. His passions included classical music, fishing, flying, chess and astronomy.His family wishes to thank the incredible caregivers from Visiting Nurse Hospice Care and all, the other, wonderful medical care provider who helped him and treated him with kindness and dignity. We would also thank all the parishioners and leadership of St. Columbas Chapel for their tremendous outpouring of support. His memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2011, at 11:00AM in the St. Columba Berkley Chapel, 55 Vaucluse Avenue, Middletown, RI.Memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Newport Music Festival, PO Box 3300, Newport, RI 02840.