Roland F. Rice, Sr.

GARDNER - Roland F. Rice, Sr., 78, of 221 Matthews Street, Gardner, died peacefully Friday morning, March 13th in Heywood Hospital, Gardner. He was born in Winchendon on July 11,1930, the son of the late Raymond F. and Ramona (Clement) Rice and had lived in Gardner since 1961. Roland was a saw operator at the former Heywood Wakefield Furniture Company and then at Modern Contract Furniture until his retirement. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1961. He was awarded the Occupation Medal (Germany), National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of Ovila Case Post 905 VFW. He leaves his wife of 54 years, Beverly P. (Kangas) Rice; six children, Ewaugh R. Leonard of Gardner, Mary Ellen Craft and her husband Jack of Orange, Annie M. Rice of Gardner, Roland F. "Fred" Rice, Jr. and his wife Gail of Fitchburg, Edward E. Rice of Gardner and Herbert D. Rice and his wife Christina of Gardner, eleven grandchildren and several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by a brother, Ralph Rice Sr. and three step sisters. Military funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 17th at 2 P.M. in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon. Calling hours in the Snow-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon will be Monday, March 16th from 6 to 8 P.M. and Tuesday, March 17th from 12:30 to 1:30 P.M. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA. 01701. www.snow-ladeau.com