Obituary of Frank S. Rice

STRATFORD – Frank S. Rice, 68, of Piseco Road, Stratford, NY passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 28, 2019. Frank Rice was born on June 12, 1950 in Paterson, NJ, the son of the late Elmer and Alice (Bogert) Rice. He was a graduate of Clifton High School (NJ) Class of 1968, received his Bachelor’s Degree from Montclair State University (NJ) and his Master’s Degree from New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ. On August 22, 1971 he was united in marriage to his wife of 47 years, the former Allicia G. Huck in Clifton, NJ. He was a Physics and Chemistry teacher for over 25 years with the Newark Public School System (NJ) until his retirement in 2004. Frank Rice was an Active Member of DeMolay International and received The Legion of Honor – the highest award for outstanding service and leadership to “God, Country and Humanity”. During his time with New Jersey DeMolay he served as Chapter “Dad” of Clifton Chapter and as Personal Adjutant to the Executive Officer. In New York he was a member of the Advisory Council of Mohawk Valley DeMolay in Utica, NY and served as region Governor for NY DeMolay. He was a member of Clifton Masonic Lodge # 203 F&AM in Clifton, NJ, and served as Secretary of Dolgeville Masonic Lodge # 796 F&AM in Dolgeville, NY. Mr. Rice was also a member of Ziyara Temple of the Shrine in Whitesboro, NY where he was assigned to the Patient Transportation Unit. He was a member of the Yahnundahsis Bodies Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Utica, where he was serving as Commander-in-Chief, and was a dual AASR member in the Valley of Northern New Jersey. In August 2018, he was elected by Supreme Council to be coroneted a 33° Scottish Rite Mason in August of this year. Frank Rice was President of the New Jersey Science Teachers Association, devoting many years to their annual science conventions. As a member of the Stratford Vol. Fire Department, he served with the Fire Police and as the department Secretary. He was a member of the Fort Herkimer Amateur Radio Association with the call sign of “N2BVZ”. Following his retirement he and his wife Allicia relocated to Piseco Road in Stratford where they both became very involved in the community and he was well known in the area for his sense of humor and willingness to help who ever needed it. Frank Rice is survived by his wife Allicia, his daughter Amanda Rice (Wallington, NJ), his step mother Joan Rice (Thurmont, MD), his sisters Beverly Shirley (Boerne, TX) and Suzanne Rice (Closter, NJ), his step-brother William McRoberts (Purcellville, VA), his step-sisters Nancy Balaz (Brick Township, NJ) and Carol Fisher (Thurmont, MD) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Marianne Rice and step-brother David McRoberts. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 11:00 am at the Dolgeville Masonic Temple located at 36 South Main Street, Dolgeville, NY as well as on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 3:00 pm at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church located at 380 Clifton Ave, Clifton, NJ. Arrangements are by the Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, Inc., 42 N. Ann Street, Little Falls, NY. There are no calling hours. It is the wish of the family that contributions in memory of Mr. Rice be considered to AASR Valley of Utica Memorial Scholarship Fund, 251 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13501 or Stratford Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 217, Stratford, NY 13470 Envelopes are also available at the funeral home for this purpose.