William "Bill" Rice, 83, of Fort Myers Beach FL, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at home with his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Patricia (née Daly), sister Donna Carifio (Anthony), sister-in-law Rita, children Karen, William Jr. (Sheila), Patricia Brown (Joseph), and Maureen Rice (Jason), seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He will join his late brother Francis E. Rice, Jr. and sister Anne Bullock (née Rice) and her husband Stephen.
Bill was born in Medford, MA on May 23, 1931, the son of the late Francis and Bernice Rice. As a young man, he volunteered for the military and fought in the Korean War as an Airborne Ranger, serving with the 15th Company. He earned the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in battle.
Upon leaving the service, Bill started a career in the printing industry, eventually becoming the owner of a very successful printing business in Medway, MA. In 1955, he and Pat started a family, settling in Franklin, Massachusetts in 1964. He was an active member of Rotary International, an avid lifelong boater, certified captain and credentialed merchant marine.
Bill retired from the printing industry in 1986, moving to Fort Myers Beach, Florida. There he became a communicate at St. Columbkill Church, and enjoyed boating, fishing and socializing with his many friends and neighbors.
He will always be remembered for his mild manner, kindness and his willingness to help those in need with his charitable contributions. Known by many as "the perfect gentleman," he will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Church in Franklin, Massachusetts on May 16th at 10am. Burial will be private with family and close friends on May 18th at the Bourne National Veterans' Cemetery.