Jonathan Francis Rice

It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Jonathan F. Rice, 35, of Lee, MA on November 30, 2022.  Born on August 10, 1987, Jon was the youngest son of William and Deborah Biasin Rice.

Jon graduated from Lee High School in 2005, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Syracuse University in 2010.  Jon especially enjoyed his time as a member of the Lee High football team, patrolling the field as fearsome number 56.

Jon began his career as a project manager at Quest Global in East Hartford, CT, working with many of the firm’s top clients such as Pratt & Whitney.  Jon also spent time as a general contractor’s assistant in the Berkshires before moving to Florida to pursue his lifelong goal of becoming a stock trader.

Both playing and watching sports were among Jon’s greatest pleasures.  He loved cheering for his Syracuse Orange, playing pick-up basketball in any and all venues, wagering on longshot parlays on an NFL Sunday, and battling his brothers on the fairways of Greenock Country Club.  Throughout his life, Jon remained dedicated to weight training, never missing a chance to correct his brother David’s form.

Jon was a true lover of animals, most of all the Rice family dog, Mr. Darcy.  Jon also enjoyed ocean sunsets in Florida, his grandfather’s homemade salami, and his muscular (read here: loud) Ford Mustang.  Jon always looked forward to the annual Rice family reunion, including the lively volleyball games and abundant steamed clams, and cherished his special relationships with maternal Aunt Cindy and godmother Aunt Patti.

Jon inherited his love of reading from both his parents, and especially enjoyed discussing historical novels with his mother.  In addition, Jon often read multiple newspapers each day (always starting with the Berkshire Eagle).  Jon also had a passion for classical literature, as evidenced by reading “War and Peace” twice (yes, twice).

Jon reveled in spirited debates over current events, sports and politics, only conceding a point when robbed of all other possible alternatives.  Jon embraced uncertainty and games of chance. Whether it was poker, sports wagering or stock investing, despite his mixed results, Jon always remained an eternal optimist.  Meanwhile, Jon was nearly unbeatable at chess.

Jon wrestled with anxiety for most of his life.  As he grappled with challenges, Jon often sought refuge in self-improvement books, including the works of Brian Tracy.  Jon wanted, and tried, to get better.

Jon is survived by his parents, William and Deborah Rice of Lee; his brother David and his wife Blakely, of Norwalk, CT; his brother Andrew and wife Ada, of South Orange, NJ, as well as their adorable twins, Marcus and Sebastian; his grandfather and namesake, Francis Biasin of Lee; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins who will miss him dearly.

Jon was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Barbara Biasin, and his paternal grandparents, Hart and Catherine Rice.  Given that his father is the youngest of 11 children, Jon was predeceased by multiple aunts and uncles, and on his mother’s side, many members of the close knit Biasin family.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Jon will be on Friday, December 9th, at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Church in Lee, followed by a burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery.  Visiting hours will be on Thursday, December 8th, from 4:00-6:00pm at the Kelly Funeral Home in Lee. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jon’s memory may be made to the Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter or the Lee Library Association.