Livonia, NY: At age 85, Robert “Bob” Rice passed unexpectedly on March 28, 2024 at the Sebastian River Medical Center in Sebastian, Florida. Bob was born on January 16, 1939 in Rochester, NY to the late Kermit “Gene” and Pauline (Mimm) Rice. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brother-in-law Wayne Keemer. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Pamela (Kelly) Rice and sons, Rob Rice (Margaret Scahill) of Rochester and Steven Rice (Mary Lou Mason) of Webster; grandchildren, Lauren (Vinny) Graber, Michael Rice, and Tory Rice; great-grandson Henry Graber; siblings, Doris Rosenhaus of NYC and John Paul (Nancy) Rice PhD of MO; brother-in-law Sammy (Jaimye) Kelly of Irving, NY. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Bob and Pam met in high school in Rochester, NY and were married on July 30, 1960. Bob joined the Rochester Police Department in 1965 and served for one and a half years before realizing that the fire service was his calling. He then joined the Rochester Fire Department in 1967 and served for 34 years, retiring as a Deputy Chief in 1999. He really loved the Rochester Fire Department from beginning to retirement. He was called “Iron Man” by those who worked with him and was a member and past officer of the Rochester Fire Department Benevolent Association. When Bob retired there was an article written in the Democrat & Chronicle that he was very proud of. Bob and Pam purchased their home on Conesus Lake in 1983 and moved there permanently in 1995. They made many friends in the community, at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Livonia, and as members of the Conesus Lake Association. For the past 22 years they have called Barefoot Bay, Florida their winter home. Bob loved his family, his brotherhood of fireman, and good times together at their Conesus Lake home.
Family and friends may call on Tuesday, May 21st, from 3-7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 15 & 20A, Livonia, NY. Bob’s Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, May 22nd, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 6591 Richmond Mills Road, Rte 20A, Livonia, NY. Burial will be held privately at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rochester, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, Attn: Rochester Area Services, 70 Liberty Pole Way, Rochester, NY 14604 or to St. Matthew Catholic Church, PO Box 77, Livonia, NY 14487. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
My condolences to Steve and Rob as well as their mom and other family and friends. Bob was one of the greatest guys you could meet. He served the Rochester Fire Department well and was well thought of by those that knew him. I met Bob when I was an RPD Investigator and assigned to the Arson Task Force. I learned that my sister had actually attended high school with him and his sweetheart. He passed along his dedication ofbservice to his boys. May you rest in peace Bob.
While we hadn’t known Bob as long as many of his friends, we quickly grew to love him as a dear, kind and wonderful person. We’ll always remember him for his great smile, patient and peaceful disposition,and love of “good food” – especially Italian – at Vic’s Restaurant. We miss you so much already, Bob, and realize that our times in Florida will never be the same without you. God bless you now and for all eternity.
I am terribly saddened by the passing of this most honorable, honest, and selfless friend. Bob always went out of his way to say ‘hello’ and present a heartwarming and welcoming smile when we reunited in Barefoot Bay each winter along with our spouses. The countless hours playing 9 holes each week and going out for dinner will forever be cherished memories. Texas Roadhouse was one of his very favorites and he was always ready to go on the drop of a dime. Sharing our January birthdays over the years and taking a cruise together along with our golf partners were added blessings that will always be cherished. You will never be forgotten, “Ricey”. Enjoy heaven until I get there. . .
Bob was a very special friend to myself and others ib Barefoot bay.His legacy will always be ijn our hearts
Peace with all
We will miss our dear friend Bob very much. Our condolences go out to his family and friends and our prayers are sent in deepest sympathy. Bob represents the Best of the Best as far as a friendly face and person goes, an offer to help and a person to just listen if you have an issue. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
God Bless Bob and his family!
Oh so sad. And poor Pam to have lost him at a young age.. may he Rest In Peace.
May all us who have known him take comfort in appreciating , knowing and having enjoyed “ Iron Man’s “ company.
Hi Pam this is John Parente I worked with Bob for most of my career at Enginine 1 Truck 1 we shared so many stories and between Bob and Don Godin I was so lucky to have the two of them to teach me the real ABC’ s of firefighting! I was reading the story of Bob and I see you were in Sebastian, FL. I reside in Vero Beach. FL just up the road from there. Unfortunately I won’t be able to make it up. My condolences to you and the entire family. Jp