John T. Rice, Sr., 81, of Friedel Street in Worcester, passed away Monday, May 26, 2008 in the Jewish Healthcare Center. He was predeceased by his first wife, Regina (Raymond) Rice in 1989, and by his second wife, Dorothy Fitzgerald-Rice in 2004. John was also pre-deceased by his son, John T. Rice, Jr. in 1998.

   John is survived by his two daughters, Linda J. Eurenius and her husband Robert Eurenius Sr., and Maureen A. Borowski and her husband Michael Borowski all of Worcester; three step-daughters, Patricia Brochu of Whitinsville, Janet Jackman of Whitinsville, and Paula Brennan of Douglas; a brother, Charles P. Rice, Jr. and his wife Joyce Rice in Wisconsin; three grandchildren, Robert C. Eurenius, Jr., Melissa A. Eurenius, and Melinda A. Lawlor; a great grandson, Jordin Eurenius; many step-grand and great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He was born in Worcester, son of the late Charles P. and Lillian (McCarthy) Rice, and has lived here most of his life. He was a veteran of World War II, serving the United States Navy.

   Mr. Rice worked as the personnel manager at Spag's Supply, for over thirty years, before retiring in 1991 and was a former member of Saint Patrick's Church in Whitinsville. He was member and Past Grand Knight of the Auburn Knights of Columbus 4158, and was a 4th degree with the Bishop O'Reilly Assembly. He was also a member of the South Works VFW Post 3657.

   The funeral for John will be held Thursday, May 29, from MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Saint Joseph's Church, 189 Oxford Street, Auburn. Interment will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, May 28, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the funeral home. Members of the Auburn Knights of Columbus will gather at the funeral home at 6:30 p.m. to conduct their ritual.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, Ill. 60601-7633.