Francis Eugene Rice, 69, of Sharon, went to be with the Lord at 10:28 p.m. Saturday, December 8, 2018, in his home surrounded by his family. He will be remembered and missed for his laughter, big heart, unique sense of humor and witty remarks.

Mr. Rice was born September 27, 1949, in Indiana, PA, a son of the late William Blaine and Mabel Genevieve (Rummell) Rice. He was a 1967 graduate of Sharpsville High School.

Francis was employed by the former Valley Vulcan Mold, Hubbard, OH, where he worked as a millwright from 1967 to 1990. In 1992, he began working as a maintenance custodian at Case Avenue Elementary School, Sharon, retiring in 2010.

Francis was a longtime member of the former Church of the Sacred Heart, Sharon. He was a member of the AFSCME Local #2625, Sharon, and served as its president from 2000 to 2008. Francis was very involved in the local youth athletic programs. He coached his son's K. of C. Little League teams; the Colts, Pee Wee football; and girls Little League softball, all in Sharon. An avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Sharon Tigers football fan, he also enjoyed attending all of his children's and grandchildren's activities. He loved being outdoors hunting, fishing and camping with his sons and brothers. Francis also enjoyed going to wineries, vacationing at Myrtle Beach and family game nights.

He is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, the former Georgiana Gizdic, whom he married on January 27, 1968; two sons, Michael Rice and his wife Kathi, of West Middlesex; and Mark Rice and his wife Lori, of Las Vegas, NV; six grandchildren, Adam (Crystal) Leishman, Robert Rice, Ashlie and Skyler Barrett, and Quinn and Cheyenne Rice; six great-grandchildren, Skylar, Lainey, Carson, Mia, Athena and Freya; a sister, Patricia Miller and her husband Howard, of Brookfield, OH; and his beloved dog, Bella.

In addition to his parents, Francis was preceded in death by five brothers, William, Richard, Charles, Samuel and Theodore Rice.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to ASPCA, at www.ASPCA.org .

Calling hours will be 4 p.m. until the time of the service Wednesday (12/12/2018) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon.

Memorial service will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, in the funeral home, with Rev. Adam Trambley, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church, Sharon.

Entombment: St. Rose Cemetery Columbarium, Hermitage.