He was a 1972 graduate of Perry Central School. Steve worked almost 40 years as a farmer working for his family farm Parkview Farms , as well as Butler Farms and helped out many other farmers in the area when in need. He worked for Burt’s Lumber in Perry for many years and was currently was working for the Village of Perry working in the Parks Department. He was an active member of the Perry Fire Department for 44 years, serving in many positions throughout the fire department including past fire chief and currently as Vice President. He was a member of the Constellation Lodge # 404of the Free and Accepted Masons in Perry, the Silver Lake Sportsman’s Club, Perry VFW and Perry Vets Club. He was active in organizing the Perry Sea Serpent tournament for many years. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid Buffalo Bills fan. Family was the biggest part of his life he loved going to his children’s and grandchildren’s school and sporting events.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years: Polly J. (McBride) Rice, mother: Florence Rice of Perry, 3 daughters: Rebecca (Gerald Kane, Tracey Rozanski) Kane of Perry, Jennifer (Matthew Polizzi) Rice of Avon, Stephanie (Jay) Ballard of Perry, Son: Benjamin (Karin) Rice of Perry, sister: Linda Shepard of Silver Lake, 2 brothers: Jeffrey (Mary) Rice of Silver Lake, Brian (Lee) Rice of Perry, 4 grandchildren: Beau and Brooke Slocum, Jaelyn Kane and Russell Polizzi, mother-in-law: Jane McBride of Perry, 2 sister-in-laws: Pamela and Patricia McBride both of Perry,2 brother-in-laws: Daniel (Sandra) McBride and Stephen (Sharon) McBride both of Perry, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
Along with his father he is preceded in death by siblings: Tommy Rice, Cynthia (Michael) Laraby and Paul Rice, father-in-law: Kenneth McBride, grandmother: Mildred Perkins, and brother-in-law: Robert Shepard.
A Fireman’s Service will be held on Friday October 25, 2019 at 3:00PM followed by a Funeral Service at 3:30PM at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, NY 14530, immediately followed by a procession to the Perry Fireman’s building where visitation and a celebration of Steve’s life will be from 5:00-9:00PM. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
Memorials may be made to the Perry Fire Department P.O. Box 243 Perry, New York 14530. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.
