Obituary of Allen L. Rice

Age 80, passed away at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center on Thursday, July 11, 2024 with his family by his bedside.  Al was born in Elmira, a son of the late Louis and Emily (Howard) Rice.  In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by son Michael Edward Rice; brothers, Kenneth Rice and Larry “Coots” Rice.  Al is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Suzanne Christman Rice; sons, Ronald (Stacy) Rice, Timothy Matuszak and Michael Matuszak Jr.; daughters, Cynthia (Rich) Sullivan and Buffie Jacobs; grandchildren, Kara (Scott) Vang, Katilyn (Eric) Floyd, Kacie Matuszak, Gavin Young, Matthew (Emma) Sulivan, Desiree Jacobs and Ashley Matuszak; brothers, Lynn “Chico” (Joan) Rice and Neil (Astrid Peterson) Rice; 4 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends.

Al grew up in Elmira Heights and was a 1962 graduate of Thomas A. Edison High School.  He went on to earn a degree from Rochester Business Institute.  He was a US Army veteran.  Al had worked as a quality control supervisor with Corning Inc. for several years.  For most of his adult life he lived in Elmira Heights where he was active in his community.  Al served as Elmira Heights mayor from 1992 to 1996.  He was a key contributor to the restoration of Thurston Park into full time Cinderella softball fields. He enjoyed sports and was an avid New York Giants Football and Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodger Baseball fan.  He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  A funeral service will follow at 6:15 p.m.  Military honors will take place outside of the funeral home after the service. A livestream of the service will be on YouTube; please subscribe to McInerny Funeral Home. Committal prayers will be held at Woodlawn National Cemetery on Thursday July 18, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.  The family will provide flowers.  Those wishing may remember Al with a donation to the Elmira Heights Fire Department, 215 Elmwood Ave., Elmira Heights NY 14903 or Pine Valley United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 188, Pine Valley NY 14872.