Howard Rice, 82, passed away Monday, July 29, 2024, at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro, VT. He was born on May 28, 1942, in Westminster the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Cassidy) Rice. He attended schools in Westminster and was a 1960 graduate of Bellows Falls High School. He attended Windham College where he played both baseball and soccer. Howie served in the Army National Guard and worked as a lineman for Granite State Electric and then Green Mountain Power. Howie was a longtime football and baseball coach, life member of the Westminster Fire Department and long time Westminster Village Trustee. He was also a member of the BPOE Elks Lodge 1619 and a self-proclaimed cribbage and horseshoes champion.

Howie was married to Donna Nims Rice on July 30, 1966, who passed away in 2003. Howie is survived by his son, Howard Rice Jr., and two daughters, Rebecca Thompson and Amy Sciacca, as well as one brother, Robert Rice, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, one daughter, Christine Soule, one brother, Philip Rice, one sister, Terri Lowe. and by his wife.

Calling hours will take place on Thursday, August 1, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT. A graveside service will take place Friday, August 2, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Westminster New Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Westminster Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Westminster Fire Department Association, PO Box 111, Westminster, VT 05158.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.