Warren Walter Rice Jr.

Warren Walter Rice Jr., lovingly known as "Pop," passed away on March 27, 2025 in Crofton, Maryland, at the age of 83.
Born on June 7, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, Warren lived a life marked by deep devotion to family, unwavering public service, and a sharp wit.
Pop married his beloved, Winifred Mary Murphy Rice, in 1965. Winnie was his high school sweetheart, his "Special Angel," and the love of his life. They met at Danbury High School in Connecticut when she invited him to the Sodality Dance. Warren had to ask his mom first if he could attend, but the rest became their beautiful history.
Candlewood Lake in Connecticut was the scene of many delightful afternoons for Warren, piloting his 17-foot boat along the glassy waters. Always up for any adventure, he at different times had a pet monkey, an alligator, and five different dogs, all named Pal, that kept him company during those formative years.
Warren attended the University of Connecticut and New York Law School, later dedicating his professional life to advocating for veterans and ensuring justice for those who had served. Warren was a proud veteran who served in the U.S. Navy Reserve, stationed in New York and Maryland. His distinguished career in public service started at the Veterans Administration in 1969 and included his appointment by President Jimmy Carter to the Board of Veterans Appeals.
Warren served as a federal appellate judge until his retirement in 2006 where he delivered tens of thousands of judgments on behalf of Veterans. A brilliant legal mind, Warren was rarely seen without a yellow legal pad and a pen in hand, filling pages in longhand even as the world turned digital. When desktop computers arrived, he adapted in his own way -- by carefully Windexing the monitor once or twice a week.
But Warren's truest calling was being "Pop" to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He delighted in life in his favorite place on the planet, Bethany Beach. Time spent gazing at the ocean, with the sun dancing across the water ("Those are life's real diamonds"), he would declare, "This is a lifer," simply enjoying the company of his family on an ordinary yet extraordinary day. Pop was a constant at any Grandparents Day, school play, college visit, and musical performance, the heart of his family, always present.
Pop loved horror movies, Stephen King novels, and the music of Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and John Denver. He was a Bombay Sapphire martini man, up with three olives. He was known for devotion to a clean car (washing it in the rain), too many oil changes (concerning for auto mechanics all over town), and a sparkling vinyl floor (always mopped the moment he arrived home, trench coat on and all).
He is survived by his wife, Winifred Mary Murphy Rice; his children, Warren W Rice III (Dawn), Daniel F. Rice (Dana), Jim Rice (Carole), and Wendy Deemer; his grandchildren, Allie Hummel (Andrew), Tyler Rice (Brooke), Kai Rice, Cole Rice, Erik Rice, Jordan Rice, Garrett Rice, Michael Deemer, and Matthew Deemer; and his great-grandchildren, Landon, Sadie, Maverick, Collins, and Ryan. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister.
To honor Pop, raise a glass, a martini if you're feeling inspired, and play a little John Denver. Look out at the water if you can, and remember that for Warren, life's greatest joys were found in the faces of his family and the music in his ears.
Service for Warren Walter Rice, Jr.
A funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, April, 4, 2025 at St Ann Parish Catholic Church, 691 Garfield Pkwy, Bethany Beach, DE 19930 where friends and family may gather after 12 p.m. Following the funeral, a procession will travel to Gate of Heaven Cemetery for the Rite of Committal, 32112 Vines Creek Rd, Dagsboro, DE 19939.
Family invites all to a gathering for food and drinks at the VFW Post 7234, 29265 Marshy Hope Way, Ocean View, DE 19970.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic War Veterans Scholarship Fund in memory of Warren W. Rice, Jr. and mailed to: Catholic War Veterans Post 1042, 2 Shalvoy Lane Danbury, CT 06810.