Richard "Dick" A. Rice

Richard “Dick” A. Rice, age 61 of Covington, passed away Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Kettering Medical Center.  Dick was born in Covington to the (late) Paul E. and Dorothy M. (Goens) Rice on August 29, 1960; a graduate of Covington High School, Class of 1978; worked as a Claims Manager for Celina Insurance Group, starting in 2007 when Miami Mutual Insurance Company affiliated with them, at that time he was the Vice President of Claims; prior to working at Miami Mutual, he worked for Buckeye State Mutual Insurance Company. Before starting in the insurance industry, Dick was the Manager of Covington Family Bowl and prior to that he had been a Village of Covington Police Officer and Dispatcher.  Dick also worked for the Pearson Funeral Home, Bridges-Stocker Funeral Home, and Stocker-Fraley Funeral Home.  He served on the Covington Village Council, as President of Council.  Dick was a member of the Covington Historical Committee during the bicentennial year, 1976; this group started the Covington Newberry Historical Society with Dick serving as the first president.  Dick served on the Board of Directors of the Miami County Red Cross and served on the Board of Directors and had been President of the Covington Noon Optimist Club.  Dick loved the history of the Village of Covington and researched it as well as his family genealogy; being a member of First Families of Ohio, First Families of Miami County; Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of Union Veterans, Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Society of the War of 1812.  Dick was a member of Free and Accepted Masons, Scottish Rite and York Rite.  He was also a member of the Troy Moose and Auxiliary of the Covington VFW Post #4235.  Dick was a co-founder of the nonprofit ICU…Inspire, Create, Unite of Dayton.  Dick was also an honorary member of the Miami County Fraternal of Police.  Starting in 1974, Dick began portraying Santa Claus at Christmas.  At one time or another, he was Santa for the Village of Covington, Village of Pleasant Hill, West Milton and Tipp City as well as many other organizations and homes.  He took the proceeds from these visits and donated to organizations and assisted those in need.  Dick is survived by a sister, Terry (Tarryl) Herron of Covington, two brothers, Robert (Nancy) Smith of Sidney, Paul (Brenda) Rice of Piqua; nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a half-brother, Ron Richards.  He leaves behind a special and loving adopted family, Rick & Mary Canan, Derrick & Heather Canan, Richard & Skylar Canan, Isaac & Bree Canan, Sadie Canan, and Seth Canan & fiancée, Gabby Fair.  Funeral Service 1:30 PM Friday at Bridges-Stocker-Fraley Funeral Home, Covington with Pastor Nick Church officiating.  Interment Miami Memorial Park Cemetery, Covington.  Visitation 11:30 AM until time of service.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Covington Newberry Historical Society Museum.  Condolences may be left at www.stockerfraley.com

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