Delbert W. Rice, 90, of Hoover Rd passed away the evening of August 21, 2013 surrounded by his family at Jameson Memorial Hospital. He was born on July 20, 1923 to the late Oscar L. and Maida Mitcheltree Rice. In 1965, he married the former Madeline “Lana” Demofonte. She survives at home.
At the age of 19, Delbert served in the US Air Corps as a Lieutenant during WWII as a navigator and Radar observer. He later worked as an estimator and programmer for Aetna Standard in Ellwood City. He was a member of the Protestant faith. An avid golfer, Delbert was a member of Del Mar Golf Club of Ellwood City. He also was a former member of New Castle Eagles Club and Ellwood City Moose Club. Delbert was a kind, loving, and witty man who was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He felt a deep respect and love for animals and his many pets over the years. Many of his golf buddies will remember him with his rescue dog, Muttley, who accompanied him on his golf cart at Del Mar for years.
In addition to his wife, Delbert is survived by his children, Donna Smarrelli and husband Joe of Neshannock Township, Cynthia Smith of New Castle, Terrance Rice and wife Florence of West Pittsburg, PA, Leslie Brady and husband John of Wisconsin, Tracy Johnson and husband Jeffery of West Pittsburg, PA, Delbert Rice and wife Deanna of Riverside, CA, and Billie Jo Bryant and husband Paul of Murrieta, CA. He is also survived by his sister, Helen Dripps Vuletich of Youngstown, OH; two grandsons, Joseph and Jonathan Smarrelli; nine additional grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews of Youngstown, OH. In addition to his parents, Delbert is preceded in death by his daughter, Lennis Rice; two brothers, John Rice and James Rice; and his sister, Mable Rice Veres.
Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4PM to 8PM at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 3000 Wilmington Rd. Services will be held on Monday at 11AM at the funeral home, officiated by Rev. Dennis Bupp.
Interment will take place at Castleview Cemetery. The honor guard will perform military rites at the cemetery.