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BORN
1954
DIED
2018
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Andrew Rice Obituary
Andrew Joseph "Andy" Rice, 63, of Cheshire, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2018, after a brave battle with cancer. Born on November 21, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri, he was the son of the late Dr. Frank Rice and Kathleen Rice of Southport, Connecticut.
Andy is survived by his wife, Kathryn Pandajis Rice of Cheshire; his three daughters: Kristina Rice and her fiancé Charles Nitze of Seattle, Melanie Rice and her partner Dr. Gregory Barron of Middletown, and Rebecca Rice and her fiancé Thomas Adinolfi of Southington; his mother-in-law Florence Pandajis of Cheshire. He is also survived by his siblings: Marilyn Rice of Southport, Janet DiGiovanni and her husband Mike of Ansonia, Thomas Rice and his wife Deborah of Wallingford, Cassie Brown of Danbury, and David Rice and his wife Suzanne of Stamford. In addition, he also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother William Rice, his brother-in-law David Brown, and his father-in-law James Pandajis.After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, Andy was head chef at Costa-Azzurra of Milford. Following that, he worked as a Research Food Scientist at Chesebrough-Ponds, where he developed several Ragu spaghetti sauces, and as a Technical Research Director at Nerac. In addition, he was a devoted volunteer for the past 22 years at the Special Olympics Connecticut summer games as the head of the food service committee. In his spare time Andy enjoyed cooking, golfing, reading, and eating ice cream.Please join us for a celebration of his life on Friday, January 5, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at Memories at The Tradition Golf Club, 37 Harrison Road, Wallingford, CT 06492. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Andy's honor to Special Olympics Connecticut, 2666 State Street Suite 1, Hamden, CT 06517. Arrangements are in care of Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. To send a condolence to Andy's family, please visit www.beecherandbennett.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Rice
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Tracy Daniels
January 17, 2018
I just found out about Andy's passing. I worked with Andy at Home Depot. Andy, was truly one of the nicest people I have ever met. He was a pleasure to work with. Rest in peace, Andy.
Bob Henry
January 17, 2018
My deepest sympathy to Andy's family. Many fond memories of my Marne Avenue neighbor. May God Bless Andy's family & siblings. Sincerely, Bob Henry
John Henry
January 6, 2018
Very sad to hear of Andy's passing. There was a time in our youth when we were inseparable. I remember when my kids were little and I would tell them bedtime stories...they would ask me to tell them another story about something Andy and I did when we were kids. Rest in Peace Andy - love from Big John.
January 5, 2018
Melanie and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Julie-Anne Perry
Brendan Henry
January 5, 2018
Dear Rice Family.,
My wife and I would like to extend our condolences to your entire family. Andy was such a great guy with a gentle soul.
May your memories of Andy give you comfort and peace.
God Bless you all. You are in our prayers.
Brendan & Ann Henry
The O'Brien's from Fairfield
January 4, 2018
We are so sorry for your loss.
Sherry & Gary Nash
January 4, 2018
I can't take away your feeling of sorrow and loss, though I wish I could. May you be comforted by the many warm thoughts of those who care. I had the Great pleasure of working with Andy at Chesebrough ponds and know how much he will be missed by all of us. My thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
Katey Green
January 4, 2018
I remember practically living at the Rice house as a kid. And if my dad was picking me up, I knew I would be getting in bit more playtime because he and Andy would talk golf for at least 20 minutes. Maybe they're still chatting it up in the afterlife. My deepest condolences, love and hugs to the Rice family.
Elaine Cozzi
January 4, 2018
My sincerest condolences to all the Rice family.This was such a shock to all of us at Chartwells Dining Service at SCSU. We are all so saddened and will so miss working with Andy at Special Olympics this summer. I personally was honored to have worked with Andy for 14 of his 22 years. He left an amazing legacy and will be sorely missed. Elaine
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Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518
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