Frank E. Rice Sr., 73

WEST STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Frank E. Rice Sr., 73, of Stateline Road died Monday, October 17, 2016, at Craneville Place in Dalton.

Born in Becket on March 20, 1943, the son of Frank S. and Ada L. Fuller Rice, he was educated in both Dalton and Pittsfield Schools. Frank proudly served his country in the United States Navy SeaBees.

Frank was a Heavy Equipment Mechanic by trade and the owner-operator of Frank E. Rice Trucking, where he worked for forty years, retiring in 2010. Frank was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 98 and a longtime member of the Hinsdale Globe Masons Lodge. He enjoyed racing stock cars, motorcycles and off road vehicles.

Frank was also a former Town of Hinsdale Selectman.

He leaves two daughters, Amanda L. Kmetz and her husband Richard of Dalton, Mass., and Anita A. McMahon of Salisbury, Mass.; two sons, Adam K. Rice and his wife Ashley of West Stockbridge and Brian S. Rice and wife Carolina of Dalton, Mass.; one sister, Anna Tonlino of Otis, Mass.; seven grandchildren, Stephanie Rice, Nicholas Rice, Zachary Kmetz, Brian Rice, Brian McMahon, Devin McMahon and Timothy McMahon; and many beloved nieces and nephews who affectionately referred to him as "Uncle Frank."

Frank was predeceased by a daughter, Jessica Lynne Rice and a son Frank E. Rice Jr.; and seven sisters, Mae Gargan, Dorothy Virgilio, Betty Landergren, Burtha Humason, Irene DuPont, Ethel Harmon and Hazel Barton.

Funeral notice: Funeral services for Frank E. Rice Sr., who died October 17, 2016, will be held Thursday, October 20, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the Dery-Foley Funeral Home, 890 E. Main St., Dalton. Burial will follow in North Becket Cemetery. Calling hours will precede the service from 10-11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter in care of Dery-Foley Funeral Home.