Nick Rice Obituary
He was ordained in 1967 by the Archdiocese of Louisville. His archdiocesan posts have included rector of the college seminary program and pastor of 2 large suburban parishes, St Margaret Mary and Our Lady of Lourdes. He was also director of the archdiocesan office for vocations, permanent diaconate, religious education and communications.
Father Rice served 2 terms as president of the Council of Priests and chair of the College of Consultors for the Archdiocese of Louisville. He has served as president of three national organizations: the National Conference of Catechetical Leadership, The National Directors of the Permanent Diaconate, and the National Federation of Priests' Councils, with accompanying membership on the respective NCCB/USCC committees.
Father Rice is a certified trainer for the Stephen Covey Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. He was the founder and executive director of the Mass of the Air (1977-2018). He was also a 20-year panelist on the Moral Side of the News and served 22 years on the Crusade for Children Allocation Panel. He joined the Boys and Girls Haven Board of Trustees from 2011-2018.
Although officially retired, he continued giving retreats and presentations around the country and helping in various parishes.
He was preceded in death by his mother- Mary Ada Greenwell Rice, father- George Bernard Rice, brother- David Lee Rice, sisters- MaryAnn Rice (Frank) Flanagan and Patricia Rice West.
Survivors include: brothers- Joseph Rice (Linda), Garland Rice (Robin) and Paul Rice (Lora); sisters- Sue Ellen Rice Ford, Nancy Rice Edelen (Moe), Donna Rice Hardin (Steve), Teresa Rice and Karen Rice Cothran.
Visitation will be held at St Margaret Mary Church on Shelbyville Road, Louisville, Ky on Monday from 4-7. Vespers will be held following.
Funeral mass will be held at St Margaret Mary Church on Shelbyville Road, Louisville, Ky on Tuesday at 10am.
Memorial Gifts may be made to MASS OF THE AIR, Maloney Center, 1200 S. Shelby St., Louisville, KY 40203
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Father Nick Rice, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lindsay Mendiola
January 6, 2026
I was so lucky and blessed call Father Nick my Godfather. He also married me and my parents! He´s been a special part of my entire life. Always a guiding and calming presence and made me and my family feel so loved. He will be deeply missed by all of us. May he rest peacefully in paradise with our Heavenly Father. Love you Nick
Sharon Stetter
January 6, 2026
Our Dad was honored to serve with Fr. Nick as a member of the Mass of the Air family. Fr. Nick´s memory will be a blessing to all who knew him.
George Lehmann
January 4, 2026
He will be missed terribly, but he is not gone.
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Alice
January 1, 2026
I received much inspiration from fr Nick!! He was truly a BLESSED PRIEST and spread those blessings to all who knew him! RIP FR NICK in the arms of Our Lotd Jesus Christ
Rick Knoop
January 1, 2026
After beginning the service of Music Ministry as a high school student in 1972, I´ve witnessed the possibilities we have to create power praise among the people of God as CHURCH. Father Nick Rice is one of the many great priests who always empowered the assembly to be its best. His support of youth ministry set a bar of hope for many. Recently, I´ve had numerous occasion to witness his direct support toward the aging population in assisted living situations. May he enjoy his own experience of the Transfiguration proclaiming like St Peter, "Lord, how good it is that we are here!" Rest in peace and love Father Nick. Rejoice! Please pray and intercede for us. Continue to help us "erect the proper tent".
--Rick Knoop (on Holy Family Indian pilgrimage with Fathers George M & John P OFM ). We carry our Archdiocese in our prayers.
Charley Thorne
January 1, 2026
Charley Thorne sends deepest sympathy. Condolences to the family.
Chris Meyer
January 1, 2026
I was father rises first first communion when I was real little. We have my first communion mass at our house and my brothers all remember him rest in peace Fr. Rice
Jeff Brussell
January 1, 2026
Our deepest condolences to father Nick´s family. My parents are from Marion county,
(mother´s side Bland, father´s side Brussell)
and knew father Nick and that´s where our connection with him is and because of that connection my wife and I were honored to have him marry us at St Margret Mary church on June 1st 1991 and our marriage is still going strong today thanks to his blessing.
What a wonderful man and servant to god.
Chris Wolf
January 1, 2026
Nick was a wonderful person. I spent four years at St. Thomas Center at Bellarmine where he was director. He taught us about being servants of the community and people of faith. He was a great preacher, had a fun sense of humor, and a caring heart. He will be missed. I will never forget him.
Steve Bowles
December 31, 2025
When we were young, whenever we would see Father Nick we teasingly called him "Rick Nice." What a great man. He would always stop and have a word with you. And his dedication to the Archdiocese was immeasurable. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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12900 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40243
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