Robert Edward Rice,78, died in Vero Beach, Fl on March 19, 2012.

He was born in New Orleans, La to John W. Rice and Minnie Earl Coon Rice. He was raised in Narbeth, Pa by his father and step mother Thelma Duckworth Rice.

A graduate of Shippensburg University he began his career in Philadelphia with Connecticut General in the employee benefit field and moved to Springfield Ma and then Buffalo, NY as the district manager of those group offices. Before retirement he was the district manager of the New England Life Group Buffalo office . He was a former member of the Saturn Club, Buffalo and the Buffalo Yacht Club.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Suzanne Donaldson Rice, his son Robert E. Rice, Jr (Carrie) of Hillsborough, Ca, a daughter Elizabeth Rice Conron (Matthew) and 4 grandchildren, Molly G. Conron and Bridget E. Conron and Morgan E. Rice and Ryan E. Rice.

Donations may be made to VNA Hospice of Vero Beach at 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.

Private family services are planned for a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach. Online condolences may be sent at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.