Donald A. Rice

Donald A. Rice

                Newark—Donald A. Rice, 59, died Tuesday (November 21, 2017) at Newark Wayne Community Hospital.

 Friends may call Sunday (November 26^th) from 1-4 P.M. at the Paul L. Murphy & Sons Funeral Home, 127 East Miller Street, Newark, New York. All funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

 Memorials, in his name, may be made to either the American Cancer Society, 1120 South Goodman Street, Rochester, New York 14620;, House of John,14 Spring Street, Clifton Springs, New York 14432 or Laurel House Comfort Care. PO Box 595, Newark, New York 14513..

 Don was man of incredible intellect,knowledge, and reason. He never stopped learning. Despite completing his college degree he excelled in his career as a safety specialist for both Ontario County and the New York State Department of Labor. He participated in the development and implementation of the Code Rule 59 program work  place safety. He also served in fire and human safety for the Willard Psychiatric Hospital.. After his retirement from the NYS Department of Labor, he started his own business as an independent safety consultant, Comprehensive Safety Counseling. Don held a number of certifications, including: building code enforcement, fire safety, Code Rule 59, and workman's compensation. He was proud of his service and dedication to the safety of employees regardless of where he worked. His willingness to educate and lead others was a passion. His fairness and lack of bias was present in all he did.

 Don was knowledgeable in many areas, a man of integrity and principle, and a strong supporter of our constitutional rights and those who served our country.

 Hunting and fishing were much enjoyed leisure past times. Don recently purchased a fishing boat load with all the “toys”, a life long dream come true, which he eagerly reached out fishing invitations to friends and family. Sharing the experience and passion of the sport. Many seasons were spent in the Adirondacks, hunting and fishing. Camping the “real way”,. Cast iron cooking on the open fire, leaving technology behind, with his daughter, when she was a child, and his wife were a way of enjoying nature and the simple life. Canoeing, kayaking, bicycling, and hiking in the great outdoors. Having wings and a beer at Tommy's with friends, sharing tales of adventures and misadventures was something he enjoyed, as did his friends. More ole style business was conducted this way, just like in the days of early America. 

Don developed an interest in motorcycling as a young boy. Rebuilding as many as 30 motorcycles and getting them back on the road for others to enjoy was one of his tinkering hobbies. As a 35 year, life long member of the Wayne County Motorcycle Club and the American Motorcycle Association, he stood for and promoted the sport of safe and responsible riding. A proud owner of his BMW bikes. He enjoyed on road and off road riding. Road trips with follow riders to the Tail of The Dragon, the New England States, different rallies were just a few of his adventures.He took great pride in his home, law and garden. He could always be seen by neighbors and divers by tirelessly working on one project of another.
Don loved music and the performing arts with his daughter, wife and friends. Live performances were the best! From ZZ Top, Blake Shelton, Lindsey Stirling to Stomp. The Million Dollar Quart. And The Jersey Boys. He honored the talents of his many Newark home town musician friends. Nothing beat a good jam session.

Not the very least was his love of the family and friends. His loving commitment to his family showed in all that he did. He cooked incredible family meals and barbecues, alsways sending home ample leftovers with all who came for the meal and offered a take home plate for those who couldn't make it. Don remained in touch with his inner child, and delighted in the fun and laughter of children. His unlimited wit, sarcasm, and humor entertained all who knew him. His generosity was extended to family, friends, neighbor, and any one in need. He humbly touched the lives of many and , in doing so, made the world a better place. He will be missed by many and his countless memory will live on though all the lives he touched.

Don is survived by his wife Loretta Grover Rice, his daughter Megan Rice of Newark; his mother Jesse Rice of Newark/Clifton Springs; two step-sons Aaron (Sarah) Smith of Geneva and David Smith of Prattsburg, NY; four granddaughters Aleena, Lillian, Amelia and Rachel; his siblings David (Laurie) Rice of Lyons Falls, NY, Dorothy Burgess of Newark and Patricia Bennett of Canandaigua. He was predeceased by his father Earl “Bill” Rice.

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