Ted Rice

Ted Rice, devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home on November 22nd, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved, supported and guided his entire life.

Ted was born in Newcastle, Co. Down on April 29, 1937 - the town where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea. He grew up the youngest of Ned and Catherine (nee Greene) Rice’s six children – all of whom predeceased him. In 1952, inspired by the visit of his Aunt Teresa McPadden (nee Greene) who had emigrated from Ballybannon decades earlier, he made the decision to undertake that journey as well. Four years later, he set sail on the Franconia from Liverpool and arrived in New York thirteen days later. From the moment he arrived, Ted loved New York. He quickly adapted to life in the City, working as a carpenter for Orbach’s on 34th Street against the backdrop of the Empire State Building, and enjoying the 1950’s Irish social scene in the Bronx. It was at a dance at Gaelic Park in 1959 that he met the deep and enduring love of his life, Margaret McCaffrey, who had recently emigrated from Co. Fermanagh.

Ted and Margaret were married for 64 joyful years. Their two eldest children (John and Teresa) were born in the Bronx. In 1966, Ted and Margaret returned home to Ireland and settled down in Newcastle. The family grew as two more sons (Brian and Ciaran) were welcomed. While in Ireland, Ted worked as a Clerk of Works on many large projects in Co. Down. Although he always worked hard to provide for his family, and instilled by example that ethic in his children, he also made sure to work equally as hard at maintaining and strengthening family bonds. He always enjoyed spending time with his extended family in Burrenreagh, Sunday drives in the Mournes with Margaret and the children and an annual holiday down South during the “Twelfth Fortnight”!

Ted never forgot his love for New York and in 1981 made the decision to move back. For close to 15 years, he was a proud union carpenter out of Local 53 in White Plains, retiring in 1995. For the next 20 years, Ted and Margaret travelled. Their travels took them on many cruises to places such as the Caribbean and the Panama Canal with their good friends and family the Kerrs, the Walsh’s and the Hearty’s. They made many trips out to San Francisco to visit their daughter Teresa, son-in-law Paul, and grandchildren Brian and Maeve. They visited Italy, Hawaii and so many places in-between. And January in Naples, Florida was tradition.

Ted created a trove of cherished memories at Bajart Place in Yonkers, in the company of his son John, daughter-in-law Fiona and grandchildren Conor, Gavin and Cara. He was the “cool grandpa” with his leather jacket and brushed back pure white hair.

More memories were created at Hobart Avenue in Rutherford with his son Brian and daughter-in-law Bridgeen. Delicious Thanksgivings spent at their home was tradition, as was the annual Father’s Day Barbecue with ribs cooked to perfection on the smoker.

A decade into retirement, Ted once again grabbed his toolbox, strapped on his tool belt and put his master carpentry skills to use as he set to work renovating his son Ciaran’s new home. Truly a labor of love and a cherished memory of their nighttime recollections of life and as always jokes, laughter and good spirits.

Ted was the anchor of the family and will be dearly missed.

Ted is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret, and his children: John (Fiona) Rice, Teresa McLoughlin Rice (Paul), Brian (Bridgeen) Rice, and Ciaran (Mary) Rice. He leaves behind five cherished grandchildren—Brian, Maeve, Conor, Gavin, and Cara—who will miss him dearly. Ted will also be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He is predeceased by his siblings Teresa, Henry, Mary, Kathleen and Johnny.

A celebration of Ted’s life will take place at the Pelham Funeral Home, located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, New York, on Tuesday, November 25th, from 4–8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Barnabas Church, located on Martha Avenue in the Bronx, on Wednesday, November 26th, at 10:45 a.m. For more information or to leave a condolence, please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com.