Obituary of Craig Alan Rice

CUYAHOGA FALLS - Craig Alan Rice, 52, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio passed away from complications of Covid 19 on December 6, 2021, with his loving family by his side. Craig met his beloved wife, Ruth Ann (Vespoint), in 10th grade math class 36 years ago. Their first date was on September 22, 1985, and they married on Sept 23, 1995. A lifelong resident of the area, Craig graduated from Stow High School in 1988, where he was a standout and lettered in football, basketball, and track. He was recruited to play football for Mount Union College, returning to graduate from Kent State University in 1993 with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications. Craig was an IT professional specializing in Cloud storage and applications. Craig possessed the right combination of charisma, communication, and technical experience that is unique in the IT industry. Craig loved his girls, gardening, and being at home with his family. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, full head of hair, and his love of golf. His greatest accomplishments were his daughters, Olivia and Amelia. He is predeceased by his father, Bernard F. Rice, and father-in-law, John Vespoint, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann; his children, Olivia and Amelia; his mother, Nancy Rice; sister, Jill (Bob) Sweitzer of Stow; brothers, Norman (Marsha) of Munroe Falls, and Brian (Cheryl) of Thurmont, MD; mother-in-law, Linda (Brent) Bradley; sister-in-law, Lori Keenan (Paul) of Springfield, VA, and brother-in-law, John Vespoint, Jr., of Akron, OH. Nieces and nephews include David Sweitzer, Julie (Anthony) Karam, Ian (Dustin) Rice, Taylor Rice, Natalie Keenan, Amanda Coss, and Alysse (Jake) Waddle. In keeping with Craig's wishes, there will be no calling hours. Private services were held, and interment was at Chestnut Hill Cemetery. The family would like to thank the ICU nurses and staff at Western Reserve Medical Center for their courage, skill, and continued service in battling Covid-19, and his many friends, colleagues, and clients for their kind words and condolences. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Redeemer Lutheran Christian School Scholarships, 2141 5th Street, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221.