Harold C. “Craig” Rice, 60, a resident of 310 Whitman Road, Franklin, died peacefully at 6:05 PM Sunday, June 23, 2019, at UPMC-Presbyterian in Pittsburgh; following a brief illness.
He was born September 3, 1958, in Franklin, a beloved son of Marguerite L. Butters Rice and the late Walter L. Rice.
Craig was a 1977 graduate of Rocky Grove High School.
He attended the Worden Chapel United Methodist Church.
As a lifelong musician, Craig played bass guitar for many years with the popular local “Hard Times” band. Throughout the years, he had amassed a collection of many fine and sought after guitars.
He was a lifelong motorcycle and car enthusiast as well. He had a particular interest in Firebirds and Trans Am cars as well as Triumph and Kawasaki motorcycles. His “baby” was his Kawasaki 1000 bike that he nicknamed “The Killer Kaw”.
Craig loved the outdoors. He enjoyed mowing grass and lawn work around his farm, canoe trips down Frenchcreek, as well as camping and fishing. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends who loved him.
He is survived by his children: Matthew Craig Rice and wife, Jasmine of Reno; Justin Paul Rice and wife, Amber of Franklin, Angela Smith of Maine and Megan Paquette of New Hampshire; and by his grandchildren: Shawn Avoy and Bethany, Ashley, India, Isaah, Trenton, Baylee and Aubree Rice.
Also surviving is his mother, Marguerite L. Rice of Franklin; a sister, Sandra M. Rice Monaco and husband, John of Franklin and by three brothers: DeWayne E. Rice and wife, Sandy of Carlton; Kenneth W. Rice and wife, Judy of Seneca and David B. Rice and wife, Linda of Franklin; in addition to loving nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Steven S. Rice and Richard L. Rice.
Family and friends may call Saturday 12 NOON until 1 PM in the Timothy E. Hartle Funeral Home, 1328 Elk Street, Franklin.
A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held at 1 PM Saturday in the funeral home.
A private burial will be in Lupher Chapel Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be directed to Craig’s family to help defray funeral expenses.
Please visit www.hartlefuneralhome.com for further information and to leave a note of condolence.
