Craig A. Rice

Craig Rice, 65, of Evergreen Park, IL

Born on April 13, 1960, in Chicago, IL, Craig was the son of Dr.Orlin W. and Virginia L. (Ward) Rice. He graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1978 and went on to pursue further studies in engineering, CAD drafting, mechanical designdraftsman, and modeler and patent illustrator.

Craig was very artistic, gifted in many creative mediums. He had a lifelong passion for jazz and blues music, loved to play guitar, and found joy in tinkering, gardening and reading. His boundless curiosity and love of learning made him an amazing teacher and mentor to many. He was incredibly intelligent about endless topics and was always eager to share what he knew.  

Above all, Craig's greatest love was his wife, Lucy, and he absolutely adored his son, Liam. He was a proud hockey dad and very supportive of Liam’s pursuit. He was a man whomoved mountains for those he loved—always dependable, always generous. Whether offering a helping hand or taking the lead on a project, Craig was someone his family and friends could always count on.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Orlin and Virginia Rice, and his brother, Brian Rice. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lucy Rice (Montes); his cherished son, Liam; his sister, Shannon Rice Nyhart; his nieces, Ashley (Erin) Nyhart Mulholland and Brittany (Nick) Poe; his nephews, Joshua Nyhart and Carlos Montes III; great nephew Logan Poe and many dear friends and extended family members.

In lieu of flowers donations to Chicago Hockey Initiative and  Chicago Jazz Philharmonic-Charles Danish Scholarship (Links to charities below)