Obituary of Edward J. Rice

Edward J. Rice, 77, of Oriskany Falls, passed away unexpectedly on December 2, 2025.

He was born in Utica on May 5, 1948, and he was the son of the late Edward and Violet (Morehead) Rice. Ed served his country in the United States Marine Corps and continued that service with the Army National Guard.  In 1987, he was united in marriage to Sherry Kilts. They shared many happy years together until her passing in 2015. Ed retired from Midstate Correctional Facility. He was a devoted blood donor with the American Red Cross, where he was known as the “Gallon Man”.  Ed was a caring and generous person, always there to help someone in need and his final gift to others was to be a tissue donor.  He loved his cats Shadow, Nala, Tony and Bambi. He was a talented guitarist and loved to spend time with his family most of all.

He will be missed by his daughters, Lisa and Brian Tilbe, Jaime Rice, and Jennifer Rios; beloved grandchildren, Kelsey and Drew Shaw, Courtney Tilbe (Wayne Power), Anthony Rice (Karina Garcia), Morgan and Colin Cobane, Selena and Austin Murray, Nathan Jones, Ayriana Jones, Amber Schreck, Joey LaClair, Trent LaClair, Rain Rios and Caleb Rios; his cherished great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Maverick Shaw, Damian and Douglas Murphy, Waylon Myers, Weston Murray, and Carson Cobane; his sisters and brothers, Sandy and Donald Davidson, Keith and Deborah Rice, Susan and Herman Quiroz, David and Linda Rice, Penny and Bill Miller and Bridget and Gary Cassidy; sisters-in-law, Debra Rice, JoAnne Rice, Jeannie Rice; many nieces and nephews, and special friends.  He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, and brothers Bradley, Frederick, Mark, Dennis and Chris.

All are invited to call Monday, December 15, 2025, from 4-6pm at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, 35 College St., Clinton. There will be no public services.