Francis Edmond Rice III, 72
WAREHAM – Francis Edmond Rice III, 72, of the Parkwood Beach neighborhood of Wareham, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026, after a long illness.
He was the beloved husband of Gail L. (Grassey) Rice, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage.
Born on Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, Francis was the son of the late Dr. Francis E. Rice Jr. and Rita (Paivo) Rice. He was raised in Franklin and moved to Wareham in 1984, where he made his home for more than four decades.
Francis worked as a driver for United Parcel Service in Sagamore. Earlier in his career, he was employed at Wang Laboratories in Lowell.
He found great joy in spending time on the water, golfing, and riding motorcycles. During his years in Franklin, he was an active member of the Rotary Club.
Survivors include his wife, Gail Rice of Wareham; his daughters, Christina Rive Ivers and her partner Evan Bridges of E. Falmouth and Diana Rice and her wife Sarah Lavin Rice of Spencer; his brothers, Michael Rice of Douglas, Kevin Rice of New Bedford, Mark Rice of Scottsdale, AZ and Matthew Rice of Hudson; his sister, Leslieanne Rice Cooper of Marong, Victoria, Australia. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Anna and Emma Ivers, Hayley, Chloe and Jacob Bridges, Evan and Ryan Rice, Alexander Shvayko, Roman and Auston Harrington. Also surviving are Olga Shvayko, Patrick Harrington and his aunt, Donna Carifio.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham from 4 to 6 PM. A prayer service will follow at 6 PM.
Donations in his memory may be made to CHAMPs Animal Shelter. For directions or to leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com
