Ralph Edward Rice

Ralph Edward Rice, 75, of Hummelstown, PA passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in his home.

Born in Stamford, New York on July 24, 1950, he was the son of the late John Albert and Lucille (McCracken) Rice.

Ralph retired as a quality insurance specialist from Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) in New Cumberland, where he specialized in submarine parts. Before that he was a helicopter mechanic where he worked on Boeing Chinooks. He was a graduate of South Kortright Central School. After returning home from Vietnam, Ralph earned an associate’s degree in aeronautics maintenance from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. Ralph was a United States Army veteran serving during the Vietnam Conflict. He then served for 20 years with the Army National Guard.

Ralph was a member of Susquehanna Valley Church in Pennsylvania. He was a natural handyman, being able to build and repair anything. Ralph built the addition on their home, flipped a house with his son, and constantly was doing construction projects for others. When he wasn’t building something, he could be found tinkering. Most of all he adored his family, especially his grand and great-grandchildren.

Ralph is survived by his wife Michele Lynn Heyer Rice whom he married on June 15, 1974; his children, Philip Rice (Jessica) of Palmyra, PA and Naomi Rice Atkins of Lebanon, PA; 8 grandchildren, Katlyn Keller (Cody), Elise Seip (Ashton), Everett Atkins, Weston Atkins, Camille Atkins, McKinley Rice, Evangeline Atkins, and Harper Rice; 3 great-grandchildren, Graham and Laine Keller, and Gatlin Seip; two sisters, Celia Soden (Ken) of Delhi, New York, and Melody Hochbrueckner of Grand Gorge, New York; and his beloved Westies, Mia and Ruby.

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Rice and John Rice, Jr.; and a sister, Brenda Rice.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 11 am in Susquehanna Valley Church, 6433 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA A private inurnment will be held at the convenience of the family. A visitation will be held on Wednesday in the church from 10:00 AM until time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors Inc., 1013 Mumma Road, Suite 203, Wormleysburg, Pennsylvania 17043 or at https://www.pawoundedwarriors.org/donate.