Obituary of Bernard F. Rice

STOW- Bernard F. Rice (Bernie), 78, passed away peacefully on Friday July 6, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 2, 1934 in Meadville, PA to Leo and Mary Rice, he was united in marriage to Nancy L. (Musica) on September 1, 1956 and they had a wonderful partnership for over 55 years. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, and was honorably discharged.  Bernie is a member of American Legion, Acker-Moore Memorial Post 175. He graduated from Hammel Business College and spent 40 years in automotive finance and leasing industries.  A member of the National Association of Fleet  Administrators , he was also a licensed realtor and a member of the Akron Board of Realtors, Silver Lake Country Club and Rotary Club of  Stow-Munroe Falls, where he had 28 years of perfect attendance and was a two-time Paul Harris Fellow recipient. Despite suffering a massive heart attack in 1996, his strength and determination were remarkable.  He maintained strong faith in God throughout his life, attending Mass daily until he could no longer do so. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Mary Rice and his brother Vincent. Bernie is survived by his wife Nancy; daughter Jill (Bob) Sweitzer of Silver Lake; sons Norman (Marsha) of Munroe Falls, Brian (Carrie) of Walkersville, MD, Craig (Ruth Ann) of Cuyahoga Falls; grandchildren Ian and Taylor Rice, David and Julie Sweitzer and Olivia Rice; sister Jeanne Johannesmeyer of Erie, PA and sisters-in-law Jean Rice of San Jose, CA and Ann Findlay of Meadville, PA and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Sue, Charlotte and Lenora from ASERA Care Hospice for the dignity in care that they provided. Friends are invited to Redmon Funeral Home for visitation Monday, July 9th 2012 from 4 to 7 PM.  Mass of the Christian Burial 10 AM Tuesday, July 10th 2012  at Holy Family Catholic Church in Stow, Father Ed Holland celebrating.  PLEASE MEET AND FORM PROCESSION AT THE CHURCH.  Interment  Chestnut Hill Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rotary Club Stow-Munroe Falls, P.O. Box 1352, Stow 44224 or the Christ Child Society of Akron, P.O. Box 13411, Akron, Ohio 44334-8811.