SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – Martin A. Rice, 79, died at Fletcher Allen Health Care Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, after several months of failing health. He was born Jan. 15, 1925, in Mapleton, the son of the late Claude and Helen (Victory) Rice. He was educated in Mapleton schools and graduated from Mapleton High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Martin was employed by New England Telephone in Maine for several years prior to his transfer to Burlington. In May 1978, he married Elaine Patrie. Martin enjoyed a variety of hobbies which included reading, carving, cross-country skiing, and his bountiful vegetable gardens. Since his retirement, he and Elaine traveled extensively and enjoyed camping. He is survived by his wife Elaine of South Burlington; his eight children and their families, Michael O. and James C. Rice, Pamela A. Myers, Kerry M. Rice, Deborah J. Martin, Jane E. Daly, Judith A. Rice, Jo R. Daly; 17 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; his brother, Phillip Rice; his two sisters, Dorothy Turner and Patsy Lord; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his children, Patricia E. Rice, in 1976. Visiting hours were held on Tuesday, Dec. 7. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8 in the chapel of Corbin & Palmer Funeral Home, 71 S. Union St., Burlington, Vt. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society, 121 Conner Way, Ste. 240, P.O. Box 1460, Williston, VT 05495-1460
MARTIN T. RICE
