Donald Rice

Donald Burton Rice, 82, of Old Saybrook, Connecticut, entered into the rest of his Lord on May 11, 2017. He was born at home in New Haven and resided in several shoreline towns before moving to Lakeland, Florida, where he eventually retired. He also lived in Oxford, Massachusetts with his son Glenn and family. For the last year he was a resident at Gladeview Healthcare Center in Old Saybrook.

He leaves his sons Glenn and his wife Cynthia; David and his wife Kerry; daughters Beth Mayers and her husband Doug; Bonnie Hall and her husband John; grandchildren Joshua Rice and his wife Sarah, Andrew Rice and his wife Carrie, Lindsey Hall, Matthew Rice, Kendra Mayers, Jonathan and Haven Rice. He also had seven great-grandchildren: Jadon, Lily, Madelyn, Gavyn, Josiah, Kemble, and Levi Rice. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 52 years, June (Smith) Rice.

Don was a US Navy veteran and served on the Battleship Wisconsin. He retired from the US Post Office. He also worked at the State of Connecticut Highway Department and the First Congregational Church of Madison, CT. He loved old clocks and built several clocks from kits. He also loved antique cars and enjoyed having a 1954 DeSoto.

In recent years he enjoyed using his scooter to get around town. In warmer weather he would sit on his scooter and watch vehicles go by, waving to people from his vantage point on Oxford's Main Street.

Don loved talking with people - friends and strangers alike - and delighted others with stories from his childhood or his service aboard "his" ship, the Wisconsin.

Don loved to greet people at his daughter and son-in-law's Corn Crib at Maple Breeze Farm in Westbrook and at many local Farmer's Markets which he attended.

One of his favorite tasks was greeting people on their way into church, handing out the bulletins and welcoming them with his warm smile and cheerful demeanor. He was a faithful follower of Christ and looked forward to the Second Coming of Jesus.

Internment is at Oak Grove Cemetery in West Haven. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Swan FH 80 E Main St Clinton CT 06413 is handling the arrangements for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Oak Hill Bible Church, PO Box 277, Oxford, MA 01540.