Edward “Bucky” G. Rice, 94, a long-time resident of Troy and formerly of Winchester passed away on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. He passed peacefully in the comfort of his daughter’s home in Putney, VT. after a period of declining health.
Bucky was born the son of the late Elsie (Willard) and George Rice on November 25, 1924 in Winchester where he attended local schools.
He enlisted in the United States Army Air Force during World War II and was honorably discharged at the rank of Private, E-1 on September 16, 1943.
On April 9, 1944 he exchanged vows with Lula L. Patria in a simple ceremony in Troy. They were married with family and close friends in attendance. Sadly, Lula passed on December 19, 2012 after sixty-eight years of marriage.
He worked at American Optical in Keene as a machinist for twenty-one years before retiring in 1982.
Bucky enjoyed working with his hands. He could fix just about anything but his specialty was lawn mowers. He enjoyed fishing for brook trout and hornpout. He always loved a good game of hearts or dominos. When you would visit him, he always had a story to tell. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 56 in Troy for many years.
Bucky is survived by his children; Phyllis A. Shemchuck and her husband, Charles of Athol, MA. Christine M. Fusaro and her husband, Michael of Keene and Joyce M. Coombs and her husband Lenny of Putney, VT. He also leaves six grandchildren: Charles Jr., Janell, Nicholas, Elizabeth, Sarah and Ariel, and eleven great-grandchildren: Anna, Emily, Daniel, Patrick, Jakob, Oliver, Michelle, Christopher, Johanna, Calvin and Lydia. In addition, Edward is survived by; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Bucky is pre-deceased by his brothers Melvin, John and Frank Rice and sister Francis LeClair.
A graveside celebration of life will take place in the family lot with military honors at Mountain View Cemetery, Troy, NH. 03465 on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 2pm. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 South Winchester St. Swanzey, NH. 03446. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com
