Obituary of Henry J. Rice

Henry J. Rice, of 1 Wellington Drive, Portville, NY, passed away Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Heritage Park Rehab & Skilled Nursing. He was born June 16, 1922 in Niagara Falls, NY, a son of the late John and Lillian Holka Rice, and was a veteran of World War II serving in the US Army 571st Air Service Group. Henry's degreed art education was extensive and included the University of Buffalo and the Albright Art School. His work experiences were many and include being Art Director at the former Buffalo Courier Express, Vice President and Art Director for Square One Ad Agency (Bluebird Coach Lines), and retired from the Niagara Falls Gazette. Following retirement, he owned 'Progressive Arts' in Niagara Falls, and more recently 'Back Door Studio' in Portville. Henry's numerous awards in media and art include a Gold Medal Award by the American Advertising Federation, 1987 Gold Medal Award as Art Director for Best Television Commercial and 1993 First Award American Printers for Art in Advertising. His various memberships include Life Member of the Albright Knox Art Gallery and the American Film Institute by invitation of the late Charlton Heston. Surviving are four children: Mark Rice of Portville, NY, Regina Randell of Denver, CO, Christopher (Sue) Rice of Grand Island, NY and Kelly Anderson of Jamestown; five grandchildren: Elle and Sven Anderson, both of Jamestown, and Jennifer DiSanto, Jill Rice and Jeff Rice, all of Grand Island; a great-granddaughter, Adyson DiSanto; and a sister, Shirley Noworyta of Niagara Falls; as well as several nieces and nephews. Henry was preceded in death by his wife, Irene V. Wielgus Rice, whom he married April 18, 1947 and who died June 10, 2001; a brother, George Rice; and two sons-in-law: Randy Randell and Christopher Anderson. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Oratory of the Sacred Heart, 43 Maple Ave., Portville, NY. The Very Rev. Gregory J. Dobson, VF, will be celebrant. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to a charity of choice.