Stephen Charles Rice

1955 - 2021

Stephen Charles Rice, 66, of Meriden, loving husband of Barbara Austen, passed away unexpectedly November 28, 2021, at MidState Medical Center in Meriden.

He was born in Rochester, New York, on January 21, 1955, the elder son of the late Charles and Helen (Ennis) Rice.

Stephen earned a BA from SUNY Brockport, a Masters in Museum Studies from SUNY Oneonta and a Masters in Library Science from the University of Southern Connecticut. After a career in museums throughout New Yor State and Connecticut, he found his life's calling as a reference librarian at the Connecticut State Library in Hartford where he specialized in Connecticut Documents and electronic harvesting of state publications. He loved sailing and mucking about in boats, which he fulfilled as an active member of the New Haven Yacht Club. He was also an avid bicyclist, having just completed, in July, a 400-mile group tour along the Erie Canal in New York. With his wife he enjoyed cross country skiing, kayaking, and Scottish Country Dancing. He had many friends who enjoyed his ready smile, quick wit, and his readiness to help in any situation.

In addition to his wife, Barbara, he is survived by his brother, John Rice (Carol) of Wassaic, NY, his sisters Eileen Rice (Theresa Walker) of East Chatham, NY, Joan Youngs of New London, and Catherine Grohocki (Paul) of Montville, Conn. He adored his nieces and nephews and was excited to welcome the next generation with the birth of two grandnieces.

A celebration of Stephen's life will be at a later date at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street Ext.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to Oxfam America at https://www.oxfamgifts.com/gifts/donate-in-someones-memory/ or to Mystic Seaport, where he spent many happy hours as an employee and a visitor. Donations may be sent to 75 Greenmanville Ave., Attn. Annual Giving, Mystic, CT 06355