Michael J. Rice

Michael J. Rice, 75, died peacefully at home on July 24, 2025, after a long illness, surrounded by family.

Born on January 9th, 1950 in Newark, New Jersey, he was raised by his beloved parents Frank ("Pud") and Marie Rice in Orange, NJ. Michael spent his career working alongside family - first with his father in ironworking and later in his father-in-law's wire and cable machinery business. He graduated from Boston University with a degree in communications and was especially proud to have returned to school later in life, earning a second degree from NJIT in engineering.

Michael and his wife, Ingrid, raised their family in Jackson, New Jersey, and had recently relocated to Wakefield, Massachusetts, to be closer to their children. In his later life, Michael kept up his love of golf, reading, good food and wine, and had been enjoying the arrival of his young grandchildren.

He is remembered by his wife Ingrid Schillebeeckx-Rice of Wakefield, MA; daughter Annemieke Rice and her husband Ryan O'Connell of Reading, MA; son Derrick Rice and his partner Jessica Smith of Somerville, MA, and his grandchildren, Inneke and Avery Rice O'Connell, and Francis Rice.

A private remembrance will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wakefield Food Pantry, https://wakefieldfoodpantry.org/. The family can be reached at michael@rice.io.