Lt. Col. John G. Rice, 93; Storrs Resident Who Served in U.S. Air Force; UConn Facilities Director

From Potter Funeral Home.

John Gilbert Rice, Lt. Col. USAF Ret/Eagle Scout; of Storrs, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2015 at the Windham Hospital at the age of 93.

He was survived by his daughters Cheryl Rice Anderson, Gail Jones and son, John Rice. He had nine grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

His was widowed by his wife of 65 years, Mary Elizabeth Rice, also of Storrs.

Born in White Plains, NY and raised in West Hartford, John Rice lived his whole life with the mantra: whatever you do, do better than anyone else, faster than anyone else, and with a cheerful attitude, and, he did just that. John Rice dedicated his life to serving others and our nation.

He served in the USAF for 32 years both as a P-51 Mustang fighter pilot in WW2 and later as a Civil and Electrical Engineer during both the Korean Conflict and the Viet Nam Conflict. Additionally, John was a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics from the age of 12, not only building and flying free flight planes, but helping teach others the skills of building and flying which he loved so dearly.

He has served the communities of Storrs and the University of Connecticut for over 30 years in various leadership positions including the Director of Facilities at UCONN, on the Board of the New Samaritan Corporation, President of the Board for Juniper Hill Village, Advisor to the Board for development of the Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, the Finance Committee for Glen Ridge, and various committees at the Storrs Congregational Church.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St (Rte. 195), Willimantic on Friday, July 24, 2015. His family will receive relatives and friends from 11:00 to 12:00pm with a service immediately following. A private internment will be at the New Storrs Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his loving wife, Mary.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in his name to Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation at 100 Warren Road, Storrs, CT 06268. For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com.