Berton Harry Rice

Bert Rice, 93, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his loving wife Bernice “Bunny” Rice of 55 years. He was born in East Hartford on September 18, 1931 and was a lifelong resident. Bert graduated from East Hartford High School in 1949 and was a member of the championship basketball team that year. Sports were his great passion, having played for the former Dovelett’s Softball team and basketball for the Marco Polo. He loved to hunt and fish whenever he got the chance. Bert proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, serving two years and reaching the rank of sergeant. He worked for the East Hartford Park Dept. for 13 years and then to the East Hartford Fire Dept. where he served for 27 years, retiring in 1994.

Bert leaves a son, Michael J. Rice and daughter; Karen Wilcox both of East Hartford, a very loving and cherished granddaughter; Ashley Rice and great-granddaughter Nikayla Brown both of Manchester and a life long friends; Tom and his wife Karen Johnson of Glastonbury.

Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Sunday, January 19, 2025 from 1-4pm at Newkirk & Whitney/Benjamin J. Callahan Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford, CT. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.