Roger Leon Rice, age 78, of Fowler, passed away at home on Sunday, September 22, 2019 under the care of his family.

Calling hours were held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Thursday, September 26, 2019 from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. with his funeral service following at 1p.m. Burial will be in New St. James Cemetery.

Roger was born on December 31, 1940 in Theresa to the late Leon Emerson and Ruth (Roberts) Rice. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1960 and married Judy Johnson on November 24, 1962 at St. James Catholic Church in Gouverneur.

Roger worked for the Town of Fowler Highway Department for 23 years, before retiring in 2003. He had previously worked as a dairy farmer, worked for Natural Dam Paper Mill for 10 years and drove school bus for Gouverneur Central School for 7 years.

He was a member of St. James Catholic Church and was also one of the charter members of the Gouverneur Rescue Squad, where he was a member for the first 20 years. Roger loved being outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, puttering outside and mowing his lawn. He was always there to help others and was a fun-loving man who liked to pick on other people.

His survivors include his wife, Judy Rice of Fowler, a son and his wife, Kermit and Angel Rice of Fowler, a daughter and her husband, Penny and Dale Matice of Gouverneur, and 5 grandchildren, Michelle Rice, Shaelyn Matice, Patrick Rice, Skylar Matice and Myah Matice.

Donations in Roger’s memory may be made to the Gouverneur Fire Department, 33 Clinton Street, Gouverneur NY 13642 or Gouverneur Rescue Squad, PO Box 164, Gouverneur NY 13642. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.