Norman E. Rice of Reading died August 15, 2015 at Mass General Hospital, Boston. He was 90 years of age. Norman was born in Athol, MA on December 27, 1924, the son of Earl and Elza (Delano) Rice. Norm attended the Athol public schools. He proudly served in the US Army/Air Force in World War II including a tour of duty in Egypt and the Middle East. Upon return, he attended and graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1950. While in Boston, he met his future wife, Jane, as they both participated in a Christian Youth Group for college students. During his professional career, Norman worked as a printing cost estimator for Forbes Lithograph (which later became Diamond International) and W.E. Andrews of Bedford, MA. For a time, he also taught evening classes at Boston University and Northeastern University, and wrote a monthly article for a New England printing magazine.

Norm and his wife became residents of Reading in 1955. During this time, he was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Reading. He was a regular participant in several group exercise programs at the Burbank YMCA of Reading, which he very much enjoyed. Norm also enjoyed attending the Retired Men's Club of Wakefield. He served for a time as treasurer for Boy Scout Troop 702 of Reading.

Norman was the beloved husband of the late Jane (Munroe) Rice for 60 years. He was a mentor and role model for his son Allan Rice and wife Cheryl of Bolton, and daughter Cynthia Crampe and her husband Stephen of Reading. He was the proud grandfather of Todd, his wife Lea and daughter Leticea, Eric, Robert and Emily. He was the cherished brother of Shirley Gioshes of St. Augustine, FL and Marion Cullen of Manchester, CT. A Memorial Service celebrating Norman's life will be held on Saturday, August 22 at 11:00 AM at The First Congregational Church, 25 Woburn Street, Reading MA. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. There are no calling hours and the burial is private. Contributions in Norman's memory may be sent to The First Congregational Church, 25 Woburn Street, Reading MA. Arrangements are under the direction of the Douglass, Edgerley, & Bessom Funeral Home. For on line guest book visit johnbdouglassfuneralhome.com