In Memory of Robert (Bob) Rice

Obituary

Robert (Bob) Rice, age 57, of Utica, New York and formerly of Revere, Massachusetts, died October 25, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Bob was born May 13, 1969, in Revere, Massachusetts, a son of Robert and Doreen Rice. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1992. He went on to earn a Master of Regional Planning from the State University of New York at Albany in 1998.

In 1993, Bob left Massachusetts to look for his first job as an engineer. In Utica, he found not just a job, but a home and friends with whom he would go on to enjoy many concerts, Boston sporting events, and beverages with. 

Bob had an illustrious and decorated thirty-two-year career as an engineer with the New York State Department of Transportation. His time with the DOT included managing snow and ice operations on the state highways, designing, developing, and overseeing the construction of key infrastructure, and even establishing temporary hospitals in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic. His efforts and passion for civil service would earn him numerous awards, such as the NYSATE Engineer of the Year Award and NYSDOT Commissioner’s Award. 

Bob married Deborah Rose in 2019. She was his soulmate and travelling partner on many, many adventures, including some of his trips to four continents, twenty-three countries, and thirty-eight states. They discovered their favorite place along the way, Key West.

Ever the civil servant, Bob was a member of many organizations, including NYSATE, the Boilermaker Race Committee, the Utica Homeownership Center, the Long Bayou Road Association in St. Petersberg, Florida, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Deborah; his sons, Casey Rice and Rob Rose; his daughter-in-law, Katie Rose; his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Pam Rice; his nieces, Sammy and Maddy Rice; his stepmother, Vera Rice; his stepsister, Gianna Hughes; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family would like to thank:

The Moffitt Cancer Center for their care and efforts.  

Hospice & Palliative Care of New Hartford for their comfort and support.

Fred Mastroianni and Lorenzo DiStefano for the road trip home.

Charlie Walz for being there for every round of drinks, including his last. 

Calling hours will be held on November 1, 2026, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

A celebration of life will follow at Griffin’s Pub in Utica at 5:00pm. The dress code is casual, with a suggestion to wear your favorite concert shirt. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Moffitt Cancer Center in memory of Bob.  Please use this link to make the donation:  https://fundraise.moffitt.org/campaign/760949/donate

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.