Thomas M. Rice, 66, passed away at his home in the town of Norwich on March 7. The cause was cardiac arrest. Tom was the son of Hugh and Betty Rice of Norwich. He was predeceased by his wife of 31 years, Susanne, in 2019. He is survived by his stepdaughter, Tanya O’ Shields, of North Carolina, his sisters Kathleen and Judy, and his brother-in-law Luis Flores.
Tom worked for many years paving, plowing, and maintaining local roads, first with the Chenango County Highway Department and later with the New York State Department of Transportation. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for the North Norwich Fire Department from 1988 to 1996. As Harley enthusiasts, Tom and Sue enjoyed motorcycling together. He was an avid deer hunter and a great fan of the blues.
Donations in honor of Tom can be made to the North Norwich Fire Department, PO Box 99, North Norwich, NY 13814 or to the Chenango SPCA, 6130 County Rd. 32, Norwich, NY 13815 or you could consider adopting his black lab mix Gracie (aka Saffron) at the shelter.