Charles Kendall Rice

Charles Kendall Rice, 91, of Enfield, CT, beloved husband of Hope (McKay) Rice, died peacefully in his home on February 23, 2024. Charles was born on February 18, 1933, a son of Viola (Rowbottom) Rice and Elmer F. Rice. Charles resided in Enfield for most of his life and it is where he raised his family. He grew up in Manchester, CT. The youngest of five, Charles joined the Navy at 18 years old in 1952. He found love with a sweet southern gal named Hope McKay from Greenbrier, Arkansas and they have been married for 70 years through thick and through thin.
After the Navy, Charles found his career in the aerospace industry, where he participated in the development of vertical lift aircraft, patented a method for producing filamentary boron, and was involved in industrial laser technology. After a long career with United Technologies Research Center, Charles retired and became a commercial fisherman. A passionate fisherman, he could be found most days off to sea on his boat the ROBKEN, named after his two daughters, Robin and Kendra. From Mystic to the Race, Block Island to Long Island, Charles found his peace and absolute joy with reel in hand and a bluefish on the line. His long-lived life can, no doubt, be attributed to this endless passion and purpose. His final few years fishing were on commercial fishing boats out of Long Island with a crew half his age, night fishing from dusk to dawn. When fishing season was over, Charles and Hope were snowbirds. Traveling to their favorite winter destinations and escaping the New England cold. Kauai, Siesta Key and La Jolla made for memorable vacations and more than made up for any time not spent together during fishing season.
Charlie will be joining his beloved son, Charles Russell Rice, who predeceased him in 1991. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Victoria, Alan, Earl, and Dorothy, as well as many other family members and dear friends. His family who remain are his loving wife Hope Rice; daughter Kendra Sullivan and her husband Timothy Sullivan of Enfield, CT; daughter Robin Rice Zotara and her husband Robert Zotara of Simpsonville, SC. Four Grandchildren: Brian Sullivan; Matthew Sullivan and his wife Danielle and soon to be great-grandson; Henri Stabley and his partner Shelbi Andrea; Colette Stabley and her partner Earnest Alexander.
Charlie fought a courageous battle with cancer to the end which is a true testament to how he lived his life with commitment and courage. Services will be Private.