Van R. Rice

      Van R. Rice, of Jersey Shore, passed away peacefully at Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
      He was born on September 2, 1930 in Corning, NY to Vivian and Van Rice Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gertrude Rice; sisters, Verna and Betty; 4 half brothers; 4 half sisters, including Florence, a half sister he met for the first time in 2013; granddaughter, Jennie Cunningham; and a great-great-granddaughter, Ava McAndrew.
      From the age of 2, he was raised on a Foster Farm for boys in Campbell, NY, living there until he married Gert when he was 19. On the farm he acquired many lifelong skills and the importance of a strong work ethic. In 1947, he received his Chauffeur's and CDL licenses while driving for the Feed Mill. At the age of 20, he was employed by Corning Glass Works, working there for 39 years. He started in the Mixing Room making TV parts, he went on to be a machinist, fork lift driver and then a truck driver for the last 10 years.
      After retirement, he was never idle, always finding odd jobs and doing things to help others. In Jersey Shore, he worked for many years at Weis grocery as a bagger until he was 80. Until recently, he delivered papers to the residents of Broad Street Apartments, where he lived.
      Van loved to watch NASCAR races and socializing at the Jersey Shore VFW and American Legion while enjoying a beer and a chance to win at tear-off tickets. He loved spending time with family and would light up when someone would walk through the door to visit.
      He is survived by his five children, Betty Ruggiers (Dave Herrmann) of Ithaca, NY, Bonnie Cunningham (Scott) of Lock Haven, David Rice (Rosa) of Alpine, NY, Judy Crippen (Martin) of Raleigh, NC, and Jo Lee Bailey of Jersey Shore; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-granchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
      A memorial service will be held sometime in 2023. He will be laid to rest in New York at the Montour Falls Cemetery.

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