Robert C. Rice, 85, formerly of Hammond Street, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 31, 2018, at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester. He was predeceased by his wife of 31, years, Leah A. (Plaud) Rice who died in 2014. He is survived by four children, Robert C. Rice Jr. of Worcester, Rose A. Bednar of Millbury, Debra L. Palumbo of Millbury, and Daniel P. Rice of Webster; five stepchildren, Rich R. Dupuis, Doreen P. Smith, Robin M. LeClair, Philip R. Dupuis, and Darlene A. Dupuis; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He was born in Grafton, son of the late Ralph and Irene (Banks) Rice, and lived most of his life in Oxford before moving to Whitinsville in 2015. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.

Mr. Rice was a machinist at Norton Company in Worcester for 29 years, retiring in 1992. He was a member of St. Ann’s Church in North Oxford, and enjoyed bowling, golfing, and fishing. He was a generous kind hearted individual who loved everyone. He was well known to light up a room with his funny sense of humor and friendly disposition. He leaves an imprint on many hearts.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Calling hours are Tuesday, June 5, 2018, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boston Children’s Hospital, 401 Park Dr., Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215.