Northborough – Thomas J. Rice, aged 91, passed away peacefully in the Saint Francis Home of Worcester on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Mary M. (née Stevenson); their three beloved daughters, Mary T. Rice-DeFosse of Lewiston, Maine, and Anne M. Rice and Eleanor M. Rice, both of whom reside in Northborough. Tom is also survived by three grandchildren, Danielle DeFosse-Strout, Patricia DeFosse and Christopher DeFosse and his five great-grandchildren, Maximus, Maddox and Makae Strout and Wesley and Willow Myers. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Earl F. Rice, Jr. and L. Norman Rice and also by a son-in-law, John R. DeFosse who passed in 2009.
Born in Boston and raised in Watertown, Tom was the son of Earl F. Rice, Sr. and Eleanor M. Rice (née Ashman). He was a graduate of Watertown H.S. and studied at Boston College where he was awarded his B.S. in Business Administration. While in college he participated in its ROTC program. Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he honorably served his country during the Korean War.
On February 12, 1955 Tom and Mary were wed. The young couple first lived and started raising their family in Watertown. In 1961 the Rice family relocated to their current home in Northborough. Tom was employed as a Systems Analyst within the Raytheon Corporation. A testament to his work ethic, he maintained over 31 years of dedicated service prior to his retirement in 1992.
Tom was a longtime member of Saint Rose of Lima Parish and for many years served as an usher and volunteered where needed. He enjoyed golf and fly fishing. Family vacations each year to Baxter State Park created many memories for Tom, Mary and the girls. Tom also enjoyed following college and professional sports.
A time of visitation will take place between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 4, at Saint Rose of Lima Parish, 244 W. Main Street, Northborough. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough.
The Rice family respectfully request memorial contributions are made to Saint Rose of Lima Parish – Youth Ministry, 244 W. Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532. To leave a condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
