Charles Thomas Rice

Charles Thomas Rice, known to many as Charlie and affectionately known as Dad, Papa, Uncle Chuck and Uncle Charles, was born in Brooklyn on March 28, 1947. He passed away at age 79 in Surprise, Arizona on October 23, 2026. Throughout his life, Charlie was deeply beloved; steadfast in his values, devoted to those he loved, and marked by a quiet resilience that carried him through every season with dignity.

Charlie graduated from LaSalle Academy in NYC and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

In 1967, Charlie was inducted into the US Army and was a proud Vietnam veteran. His courage and sense of duty were not confined to military service; they continued in the steady, dependable way he showed up for others over the years. Charlie dedicated 38 years of work as a claims representative for the Social Security Administration, serving the public with constancy and care. He was also a member of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).

On August 2, 1969, Charlie married Karen Rice (nee Cesarsky). Together they shared 57 years of marriage.

Charlie found deep joy in family, especially in watching his grandchildren play sports. A proud New Yorker to the core, he also took great pride in cheering for the Buffalo Bills and NY Yankees.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Karen; children, Peter and Jessica Nigh (Adam); grandchildren, Jacob, Rebecca, Alexandria, Bronx, and Charlotte; Charlie was preceded in death by two brothers Robert (Elizabeth) and Richard (Mary Beth). He is survived by his youngest brother Michael (Karen), sister-in-law Christine Ginocchio, four nieces and five nephews.

Visitation will be held at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 W. Bell Rd, Surprise, AZ 85374, on November 12, 2026, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 19002 N 128th Ave, Sun City West, AZ 85375, on November 13, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will be held at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024, on November 13, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.