Gerald William Rice

Age 76, passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024, after a brief illness. Bill was born in Elmira, son of the late John W. and Hazel R. (Germillion) Rice. He is survived by his beloved wife Judy Whittaker Rice; son Jason W. Rice of Elmira with his daughter Lilly M. Rice (who was the sunshine of Bill’s life); son Geoffery M. Rice of Asheboro NC with his son Christian M. Stone; brother and sister-in-law Thomas M. and Chris Rice of Pottstown PA with their son TJ and daughter Keslee; sister-in-law Cheryl Crowningshield of Erin; nephew Shawn Crowningshield; niece Stacie Bergquist with husband Dan and children; great niece Krystiana Lynch; former wife and mother of his children Sally Rice; his feline baby Socks. Bill was predeceased by his brother James W. Rice, daughter-in-law Cathleen Rice, brothers-in-law David R. Conklin and Robert Crowningshield; sister-in-law Martha L. Conklin.

Bill had worked at the Elmira Water Board for many years and retired as a department supervisor. He never met a stranger. Bill loved to travel and dance, and his laugh was infectious. Bill served with the US Army Reserve for 6 years. Bill will be missed by his family and many friends.

…… All because two people fell in love.

Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W Water Street, Elmira, on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 4:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Church, 224 Franklin Street, Elmira.

In lieu of flowers those wishing may remember Bill with a donation to either the Chemung County SPCA, 2435 State Route 352, Elmira NY 14903, Tunnel To Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island NY 10306…t2t.org/donate; Wounded Warriors, P O Box 758516, Topeka KS 66675-8516…support.woundedwarriorproject.org.