Christopher Leonard Rice

It is with tremendous grief that the family of "Chris" Christopher Leonard Rice announces his sudden and unexpected passing at his residence of cardiac arrest.

Chris was born on January 26, 1973 in Peterborough, NH to the late Leonard Rice and Jeanne (Gallagher) Rice.  He was a graduate of Monadnock Regional High School in Swanzey, NH with the Class of 1991.  He served 4 years in the United States Army.  He attended Salem State College for 2 years.  Chris spent 5 years working in Salem as a Waiter and Bartender and loved the people.  He had many fond memories and friends from there.  He also worked as a steeplejack then went on to work for 20+ years in the carpentry construction business.

Chris is predeceased by his father Leonard Charles Rice in 1996, his maternal grandparents; Robert and Leona (Boudreau) Gallagher, paternal grandparents; Gilbert and Mary (Aiken) Rice.

Chris is survived by his loving mother: Jeanne Rice of Orange, MA who was blessed to have spent two "wonderful" weekends this past spring and summer in Maine with Chris, her soul is with her handsome son now, his "Bro" best friend: "Chuck" Charles (Ladka) and his best little fishing buddies, nephews: Ladik, Kaya and Hank (Hynek), sister: Dawn (Jim) Smith, nephews: Christopher Charles Shelton (Liam Vera Kieran), Jonny Pride and niece: Amelia Pride,  Great Aunt Sandi (Boudreau) Edson, Aunt: Deb Gallagher and her son Gary Willard Jr, Uncles: Alan Gallagher (Mark & Scott), Bob Gallagher (Dwayne, Steven & David), James Gallagher (Tracy & Suzanne), Leon (Hope) Rice, Leroy (Dawnell) Rice, and many many cousins.

Chris was more than a brother to Chuck when their dad passed at 49.  He stepped up to looking after his "Bro", going to his High School graduation.  They took many trips together, traveled out west to the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, New Mexico.  They loved camping, Canoeing, fishing, sitting around a campfire.  Loved football and baseball, going out for pizza and beer.  He was proud to be Chuck's "best Man" at his wedding and loved Chuck's 3 boys, especially going fishing with them.  As adults Dawn and Christopher's paths took them in different directions. They were so busy living their lives that they lost sight of what truly matters and that is the special bond between siblings. Oh, they had their share of rivalry when they were younger but their times spent together as adults were full of jokes, razzing each other, laughter and love. When they said  "See you later" and "We need to do this more often" they meant it.  But again, we all got busy, lost track of time. We are all saddened that we didn't hold true to those words. We hope you knew how much you were loved and we hope that you will watch over us all.

Chris, you were loved more than you knew and you took part of our souls with you...Mom, Chuck & Dawn.

There will be No Services at this time.  There will be a graveside service this summer at the convenience of the family.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.stone-ladeau.com

Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central St., Winchendon, MA has been entrusted with his care.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.