Andrew J. Rice
Andrew Joseph Rice (Andy), 63, of Cheshire, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2018 after a brave battle with cancer. Born on November 21, 1954 in St. Louis, Missouri, he was the son of the late Dr. Frank Rice and Kathleen Rice of Southport, Connecticut. Andy is survived by his wife, Kathryn Pandajis Rice of Cheshire; his three daughters: Kristina Rice and her fiancé Charles Nitze of Seattle, Melanie Rice and her partner Dr. Gregory Barron of Middletown, and Rebecca Rice and her fiancé Thomas Adinolfi of Southington; his mother-in-law Florence Pandajis of Cheshire. He is also survived by his siblings: Marilyn Rice of Southport, Janet DiGiovanni and her husband Mike of Ansonia, Thomas Rice and his wife Deborah of Wallingford, Cassie Brown of Danbury, and David Rice and his wife Suzanne of Stamford. In addition, he also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother William Rice, his brother-in-law David Brown, and his father-in-law James Pandajis. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, Andy was head chef at Costa-Azzurra of Milford. Following that, he worked as a Research Food Scientist at Chesebrough-Ponds, where he developed several Ragu spaghetti sauces, and as a Technical Research Director at Nerac. In addition, he was a devoted volunteer for the past 22 years at the Special Olympics Connecticut summer games as the head of the food service committee. In his spare time Andy enjoyed cooking, golfing, reading, and eating ice cream. Please join us for a celebration of his life on Friday, January 5, 2018 at 12:00pm at Memories at The Tradition Golf Club, 37 Harrison Road, Wallingford, CT 06492. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Andy’s honor to Special Olympics Connecticut, 2666 State Street Suite 1, Hamden, CT 06517. Arrangements are in care of Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden.
My heartfelt sympathy. So sorry for all of the Rice family.
My sincerest condolences to all the Rice family.This was such a shock to all of us at Chartwells Dining Service at SCSU. We are all so saddened and will so miss working with Andy at Special Olympics this summer. I personally was honored to have worked with Andy for 14 of his 22 years. He left an amazing legacy and will be sorely missed. Elaine
Thinking of you at this sad time and sending love. Wishing you strength for today and hope for tomorrow.
My heartfelt sympathy to the Rice family. I am so very sorry, it was a shock and didn’t know he was going through such a difficult time. My warmest wishes to the family.
My heartfelt sympathy to the Rice family and especially to Marilyn our radio club member. My warmest wishes to you and the family
My Sympathy to all of the Rice family. I opened last week’s Cheshire Herald and was shocked and saddened to see that Andy had passed. I worked with Andy for three years at Home Depot in the hardware dept. We teamed up together on many projects. He had a great smile under that mustache. We shared some good laughs. We both loved ice cream, and were always amused at some of the customers antics. He was a great guy!
I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Andy at Home Depot and I always enjoyed him. He was always happy and helpful. A great loss for all. I hope he is at peace. God Bless your whole family.
I am so sorry to hear of Andy’s passing. I worked with him at Home Depot for several years. He was a wonderful and kins man. I will always remember he had so many great stories to share. My thoyghts and prayers to the Rice family. Take comfoet in your memories and how Andy touched so many in his journey.