Cleaveland Jocelyn Rice, Jr
Cleaveland Jocelyn Rice, Jr., 88, of Whitney Center, Hamden, died December 27, 2012. He was born in New Haven on July 8, 1924, the son of prominent New Haven attorney Cleaveland Jocelyn Rice and Madeleine Woodruff Lindley Rice. He was predeceased by a brother Robert L. Rice of Walnut Creek, California and is survived by nieces Sally Madeleine Jones of Austin, TX and Lisa Rice Thai of Redwood City, CA, several cousins, and many close friends. Cleave graduated from West Haven High School in 1942 and Yale University in 1945 (War Class). He served honorably in the US Army Air Corps in World War II as an electronic engineer then graduated with highest honors from the University of Michigan Law School in 1951. Cleave practiced law in New Haven with Bronson Rice and Lyman, and later Bronson Rice and Simon, specializing in trusts, estate and tax law. He was a proud descendent of famed New Haven artist Nathaniel Jocelyn. His many interests included early 19th century American art, investing, world travel, genealogy, entertaining, skiing, his Christmas tree farm in Vermont, bachelor life, and a good martini. Cleave generously shared his sharp intellect while serving on numerous charitable boards, and was active in many social clubs and professional organizations. Donations in his memory may be made to the Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371 or Interfaith Volunteer Care Givers, Inc., 30 Gillies Rd., Hamden, CT 06517. Burial will be private. A celebration of Cleave's life and adventures will be held at a date to be announced. Arrangements are in care of BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden.
Cleve was a fun lovingly guy. Always ready for a good time. Loved art, music, good conversation and good food. We were at many of the same gatherings. He will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathy to his remaining family. I would appreciate a notice in the event of a memorial service