George B. Rice

George Blanding Rice, 77, of 4510 Chantelle Drive, East Naples, Florida and formerly of Greenway Drive, Erie, PA, died Sunday, May 24, 2009 at his residence following a brief illness.Born in Sheffield, PA on April 13, 1932, he was the ninth child of Charles A. and Isabel Blanding Rice.He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict.George was president of the Presbyterian Homes, Inc. from 1972 until his retirement in the spring of 1997. He served on several committees including the Boards of the PA Association for the Aged and the Presbyterian Homes for the Aged, for which he was vice president in 1992 and president in 1993. Prior to moving to Erie, he was a resident of Sheffield, PA and was employed by the former El-Tronics, Inc. in Warren, PA. He was active in civic organizations among which were the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross.While living in Erie, he was a member of the Wayside Presbyterian Church where he served as Elder, Trustee, and sang in the chancel choir. Following his retirement, George was a member of the Moorings Presbyterian Church in Naples, Florida.Blessed with many good friends throughout his life, George loved traveling and entertaining and was well known for his cooking.He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth (Betty) Wilson and Mrs. Harriett I. Reedy both of Sheffield, PA; one brother, Donald E. Rice of Warren, PA, 13 nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one sister, Mrs. Ellen Louise Swoyer, and four brothers: John O., Charles C., Harry J., and William R. Rice.A memorial service in honor of George B. Rice will be held Saturday, June 20th at 1 p.m. at Wayside Presbyterian Church, 1208 Asbury Road, Erie.Burial in Laurel Hill Cemetery will be private.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Presbyterian Homes of Lake Erie, 1225 School Road, Erie, PA 16505. Arrangements entrusted to Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street, Erie.