Neil Oliver Rice

Neil Oliver Rice was born in Allentown, PA to loving parents Florence Ritter Rice and Henry Charles Rice on September 28, 1941. He died peacefully at home on February 15th, with his wife Carol Lasseter at his side after valiantly battling ill health for several years.

First and foremost, Neil was a devoted and loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He and Barbara Rice shared many years together and raised 3 children. Neil is survived by his son Timothy, his daughter Kristen, his son Jeff (Hilary), and two exceptional grandchildren, Jeff’s children, Alexander and Audrey Rice.

Neil and Carol Lasseter were married in 1998 and Neil embraced Carol’s family, He is survived by Carol’s daughter Sherri Kredich (Nate), Carol's son Jeffrey Lasseter, and 4 more awesome grandchildren, Hannah and Sam Kredich and Gordon and Austin Lasseter.

Neil is also survived by his nephew, David Rice (Annie), David's daughter Brianna Sheppard (Alex), and son Erik Rice.

He was predeceased by his older brothers Elwood and his wife Jean, and Raymond Rice.

After graduating from Rochester Institute of Technology, Neil started his prestigious 30 year publishing career at US News & World Report. 12 years later, Neil joined Stagebill in NYC becoming the Vice President of Printing and Manufacturing.  Next, Neil joined the Global Team at Readers Digest in Pleasantville, NY.

Neil's passions were music, collecting coins, and excel spreadsheet analysis. That passion and ability for numbers led Neil to part time jobs in his later years at both H&R Block and Oak Tree Financial Group as a Tax Accountant. He enjoyed helping his clients and was known for going that extra mile on their behalf. Client surveys always recognized Neil as caring and considerate beyond their expectations.

In retirement he greatly enjoyed his volunteer responsibilities at the Southport Congregational Carousel Shop and the other volunteers so appreciated his good nature and his financial expertise.

During Neil's many years of increasing illnesses, he never lost sight of the love he received from both immediate family and the extraordinary love and support he received from his extended family at Southport Congregational Church.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Southport Congregational Church and select "memorial giving" in memory of Neil. A private family service will be held at the Southport Congregational Church.