Paul A. Rice

Paul A. Rice, 77, of Arkport, passed away on March 7, 2026, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a long illness. Born on August 28, 1948, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, to the late Arthur and Ethel Rice, Paul grew up in Harmony and graduated from Seneca Valley High School in 1966. He went on to study at the Culinary Institute of New York, graduating in 1969. His culinary training became the foundation for one of his greatest joys, as he loved cooking, baking, and sharing meals with those he cared about. Food was central to how he expressed love and brought people together.

Paul worked as a chef and kitchen manager for Marriott Hotels, serving in locations across the United States including Dallas, Texas, San Jose, California, and Florida. More recently, he served as kitchen manager at the former Friendly’s Restaurant in Hornell. He had a tender heart for all living things and was known for his love of plants and animals, including a beloved old horse that held a special place in his life. His gentle and thoughtful nature touched everyone around him, and his kindness was deeply genuine.

A longtime resident of Arkport, Paul was an active member of St. Mary’s Church in Canaseraga, where his faith brought him comfort and community. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Rice, who passed away on August 19, 2024.

He is survived by his step-children, Dawn and Rusty Taylor; his sisters, Patricia Rice and Priscilla Bhame; his brother, Philip Rice; his niece and her husband, Alexis Tatro; his nephews, Ronald Bhame, Robert Bhame, and Richard Bhame; his sister-in-law, Susan Rice; and many dear friends and loved ones.