Leo J. Rice of Braintree, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026. He was 92 years old. Born in 1933, in Belfast, Ireland, Leo's life was a testament to the enduring commitment to live with the highest work ethic, loyalty to his family, enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures and to always do what he believed was right.  Leo was the son of the late Fidelis (Taylor) and Edward Rice.

Husband of Patricia A. Rice (Flaherty).  Devoted father of Suzanne Rice, Michelle DelMar and Michael Rice and his wife Ildi Rice.  Loving brother of Edward Rice and Fidelis Rice and the late William Rice.  Loving grandfather of Brendan Reynolds and his wife Nicole McAllister, Briana Reynolds, Tori Rice, Micheal Rice, Xavier Grenier and Trinity Grenier. Loving great-grandfather of Fiadh Reynolds.

He made his home in Braintree for the past 55 years after immigrating to Ellis Island, New York City at the age of four.  He grew up in the Watertown-Belmont area and started working at a young age caddying, to help support his family.  He proudly served in the US Navy starting in 1953.  He worked in a management role at AT&T (formerly Western Electric) for more than 35 years, where he was loved and appreciated and where he worked with his daughter for many years.  He was committed to never miss a day of work or dinner with his family.  Leo was the baseball coach for his son and daughter’s little league team.  He enjoyed the game of golf, occasionally with his daughter caddying in tow.

Upon retirement he enjoyed meeting and conversing with interesting people during his years serving as a driver for Boston Coach. His love for sports extended to being an ardent fan of the Red Sox, Boston Bruins and the New England Patriots, enjoying celebrating their triumphs with his son.  For decades, Leo enjoyed time with his wife and family staying at a beach house in Maine.  Leo loved everyone and he would glow when visited by his children and grandchildren, who held a very special place in his heart.  He will be missed by all the lives he touched.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday, January 27th from 9:00 AM-10:30 AM in the McMaster Funeral Home, 86 Franklin Street (Rt. 37), Braintree. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM at the Church of Saint Clare, 1244 Liberty Street, Braintree. Interment with Military Honors following the Mass at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Leo can be made to St. Judes Hospital or plant a tree in his memory at A Tree To Remember, www.memorialtree.com