Thomas E. Rice, Jr.

Thomas E. Rice, Jr., 77, of Westfield, MA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his beloved wife and siblings on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Baystate Medical Center.

Born in Boston, MA, to the late Thomas E. Rice, Sr. and Muriel (White) Rice, Thomas graduated from Quincy High School and later went on to the University of Massachusetts, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Education. He later taught education courses at Westfield State University, while working on his doctoral degree. A proud member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, he dedicated over 30 years to educating students in Springfield Public Schools. His passion for teaching touched the lives of many, and his legacy as an educator will be remembered by all who knew him.

As a young man, Thomas enjoyed golfing and skiing.

Thomas was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary A. Rice, of Westfield; his children, Ian Rice and his wife Cara of Prospect, CT, Joyelle and her husband Eddy Ahmed of Ashland, MA, and Keerstin and her husband Keith Lohnes of Weymouth, MA. He also leaves his siblings, Christopher, Joseph, Philip, James, and John Rice, Catherine Flockton, and Elizabeth Kilty. He was predeceased by his sister, Ann-Marie Lowry.

The calling hours for Thomas will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 9:30-10:30 AM at Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, Westfield. Burial will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery in Springfield.

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