Harvey Ernest Rice Jr.

On February 12, 2025, Harvey E. Rice, Jr., beloved husband of Margaret M. Rice, passed away peacefully. He was the devoted father of Cynthia Hall of Arnold, Steven Rice, and Brian Rice. He was the adoring grandfather of Nicole Hudson, Sarah Yocum, Emily Keller, Brandon Rice, Ethan Rice, Stephanie Rice, and Travis Rice, and a proud great-grandfather to three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his grandson, Nicholas Aaron Rice (1991). Harvey is survived by his six siblings, and numerous extended family members and friends.
Harvey was born in Greencastle, PA, in 1931 to Harvey E. Rice, Sr., and Myrtle J. Rice. He attended Greencastle High School, where he developed a lifelong passion for baseball, both as a player and an enthusiastic fan. A devoted Baltimore Orioles fan, he rarely missed a game and enjoyed cheering on his team. In 1951, he answered the call to serve his country, joining the U.S. Navy. After his military service, he pursued a career in electrical engineering, working for several aerospace companies before ultimately founding his own company. His expertise contributed to numerous space missions, including the Pegasus program, which played a critical role in early space research and satellite deployment. His work left a lasting impact on space exploration, a legacy of which he was immensely proud.
With a heart full of love and laughter, Harvey had an infectious sense of humor that could light up any room. His big belly laugh was unmistakable, and he never missed a chance to make others smile. He showed his love in simple, yet meaningful ways-whether by handing you an Oreo cookie or an apple without a word, or wrapping you in a strong hug that lifted you off the ground. His wisdom was as steady as his kindness, always reminding us to "learn to laugh at yourself and not take life too seriously." He believed ice cream could solve just about any problem-and if you sat with him long enough, he'd prove it.
Growing up on a farm, he often reminisced about milking cows before school with his sister Betty and harvesting corn with his siblings. That hardworking spirit carried into every aspect of his life, whether in his career, his home projects, or the love and dedication he poured into his family.
After a successful career, Harvey enjoyed a long and fulfilling retirement. Summers were spent at the family's beach home in Ocean City, MD, where he found great joy in relaxing by the ocean and spending time with his grandchildren. Always a hands-on and creative person, he had a passion for home remodeling projects, constantly working on improvements and new ideas.
The family will invite relatives and friends to a small memorial service and interment at St. John's Cemetery in Ellicott City, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization close to Harvey's heart.
Harvey's warmth, generosity, and love for life will be missed beyond measure, but his laughter and stories will live on in all who knew him.
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