Walter E. Rice

LEEDS - Walter Edward Rice, age 91, passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare of Leeds. Walter was born March 28, 1925 in Barre. He is the son of the late C. Raymond and the late Edna M. (Noble) Rice. He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara J. (Moody) Rice in 1977. Walter grew up in Barre and graduated from Barre High School in 1943. He was a WWII US Army Veteran. He served in the European Theatre of Operations with the 179th Field Artillery Group in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was employed at L. S. Starrett Company as a Foreman in the Packing Department and was a member of the 25 year club prior to his retirement in 1987. Walter was past commander of the Athol Charles Musarte Chapter 46 D.A.V. and was a member of Starrett Memorial Methodist Church. He enjoyed his family and was an automobile enthusiast. He is survived by two daughters: Janet B. Andrews and her husband James of Las Vegas, NV, Susan J. Rhodes and her husband Brian of Wendell, NC and one son: Brian Rice and his wife Debra of Athol; two sisters: Norma Lindsey of Orange; one brother: Warner Rice of Orange; He also has eight grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held 11:00 am on Monday at Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol. Calling hours will be Monday, July 11 from 10-11am at Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange, MA. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in memory of Walter to: DAV Chapter 46 Athol, P.O. Box 746, Athol, MA 01331. To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange, is directing arrangements.