ROBERT L. RICE

Robert L. Rice, Sr. beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully at home on May 26, 2025.

Born to the late John and Ann Pukatch Rice, Robert grew up in Wilkes-Barre and was a graduate of G.A.R. Memorial High School, Class of 1954 and went onto a career as a financial supervisor. He also served his country proudly in the United States Army Reserves.

Robert and his wife, Ann Gabrysh Rice, formerly resided in Mountain Top, where they were active parishioners of St. Jude’s Church. In more recent years, they made their home in White Haven and were snowbirds 7 months of the year, residing in Fort Myers Beach, FL. Being a family of great faith, they became members of St. Patrick’s Church in White Haven.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Ann, and their two children: daughter Pat Davis and her husband Glenn of Wapwallopen, and son Robert Rice Jr. and his wife Stacey of Allentown. He is also survived by three cherished grandchildren—Glenn, Derrick, and Erica—and one great-granddaughter, Allie. His surviving siblings include his brother Albert Rice and sister Carolyn Sharkowicz.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Joseph Rice, Jack Rice, Ed Rice, Fran Fetch, and Mary Ann Mahally.

A supporter of Pennsylvania sports, Robert would often cheer on the Steelers, Eagles, and Penn State. He lived an active life, enjoying tennis, bowling, and horseshoes, but especially excelled at golf, where he proudly achieved multiple holes-in-one. He and his wife shared a love for dancing, especially polka, and even won a polka dancing contest together.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 2pm from the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc., 403 Berwick St. White Haven, with Father Joe Evanko officiating.  Friends are invited to join the family for a visitation from 12 noon until time of service. 

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