Robert Wayne Rice Jr.

Robert Wayne Rice Jr.

June 18, 1939-March 5, 2026

Robert W. Rice, Jr., 86, of Westport, NY passed away at home surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born in Walpole, NH to Robert W. Rice Sr. and Elizabeth Cassidy Rice. He grew up in Westminster, VT and graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1957. Bob attended St. Michael’s College, completing his degree in 1961. While there, he was a ski jumper on the ski team and a member of R.O.T.C. Following college, he joined the United States Air Force.

On July 26, 1969, he married Beverly Crowson in Westminster, Vt. Later that year, he began a teaching career at Moriah Central School that continued until 2000. He then retired to his Westport farm that he had worked since 1971.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Philip and Howard Rice, and sister Terri Lowe.

“Grumpy”, as he was affectionately known by his family, is survived by his wife Beverly, sons Gregory, Raymond, Robert (Sarah) and daughter Jillian Senter. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Benjamin Senter (Zeallah), Jack Rice, Maddox Rice and Emmitt Rice.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you offer someone a cold soda or make a donation to your local library in his memory. Our Grumpy loved to offer everyone a Diet Pepsi and enjoyed reading his large print westerns.