Michael “Mike” W. Rice, the longtime Utz Quality Foods executive who helped guide his family’s business for more than five decades, died on October 10, 2026, at age 84, according to the supplied obituary. He passed away at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his family.
A respected business leader and philanthropist from New Oxford, Rice devoted much of his life to preserving his family’s business heritage while supporting charitable organisations, local institutions, and young people throughout the Hanover area.
His legacy extends beyond corporate leadership. Family members, friends, and colleagues remember a man whose professional achievements were accompanied by generosity, quiet confidence, and a deep commitment to those closest to him.
From Hanover Roots to a Career in Business
Born in Hanover, Pennsylvania, on October 4, 1942, Rice was the son of Francis Xavier Rice and Arlene Utz Hollinger. His family’s connection to the snack food industry would eventually shape the direction of his career.
After graduating from Hanover High School, he attended Mount St. Mary’s University, earning his undergraduate degree in 1965. He then studied law at George Washington University, graduating in 1968 and gaining admission to the Pennsylvania Bar.
Rice initially worked for Control Data Corporation in Virginia. His career took a different direction when his parents asked him to return to Hanover and join the family business.
That decision began a professional journey lasting more than 50 years, during which he helped carry forward the enterprise established by his grandparents.
Leading the Family Business Behind Utz
The story of Utz Quality Foods began in 1921, when Rice’s grandparents started making potato chips in their kitchen. Over time, the small family operation developed into a recognised food company.
Rice became one of the key figures in that growth, holding senior positions that included chief executive officer and chairman of the board. He later served as chairman emeritus.
His work reflected a commitment to maintaining the company’s family heritage while helping it move forward. Even after stepping back from active leadership, he continued to take an interest in the business and its future.
Rice also contributed to the wider snack food industry through his service on the Snack Food Association board. He served as its chairman in 1982, adding industry leadership to his responsibilities at Utz.
A Commitment to Helping Others
Community service was another defining part of Rice’s life. His involvement extended across organisations focused on health, education, youth development, and local welfare.
He served on the boards of the Hanover Area YMCA and Hanover Hospital. In 2001, he was also a founding member of Sageworth Trust Company in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
His interest in young people took practical forms. He supported Sacred Heart School, coached football at Park Hills Elementary School, and participated in YMCA father-child programmes that later became known as Adventure Guides.
Rice and his wife, Jane, also established the Rice Family Foundation. According to the supplied obituary, the foundation continues to award grants to numerous nonprofit organisations each year.
The couple supported charitable fundraising in other ways, including opening their home for events benefiting local causes. Rice was also known for offering guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs and helping individuals and new businesses when he could.
His philanthropy was rooted in a personal willingness to contribute time, knowledge, and resources to the community.
The Interests That Made Him More Than a Businessman
Outside work, Rice enjoyed reading, particularly history, and had a strong interest in golf, tennis, international travel, wine, and food.
Music was another passion. He travelled significant distances to see Elton John perform, while basketball provided a regular opportunity to connect with his daughter, Stacie, through their shared support for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.
Family sports were equally important to him. He followed his son Matthew’s games during his childhood and later supported his grandchildren as they participated in their own sporting activities.
Those interests created opportunities for shared experiences and family memories that remained central to his life.
A Leader Known for Humility and Wit
Despite his professional success, Rice was described as someone who did not need to draw attention to himself. He was known for his intelligence, understated manner, and dry sense of humour.
He could be quiet in a group, yet his stories and observations could command attention when he chose to share them. His influence often came through personal conversations, practical advice, and the example he set rather than public recognition.
That combination of business experience and humility helped define the way he was remembered by people who worked with him and those who knew him personally.
Sixty Years of Marriage and a Close Family
Rice shared 60 years of marriage with Jane Epley Rice. Their home was a gathering place for relatives and friends, with meals, conversations, and celebrations forming an important part of their family life.
He is survived by Jane; his daughter, Stacie Rice Lissette, and her husband, Dylan; and his son, Matthew Rice, and his wife, Toni.
His grandchildren are Max Lissette and his wife, Krissy; Payton Lissette Steinhart and her husband, Teddy; Alex Lissette and his wife, Katie; Caleb Lissette; Colin Lissette; and Lily Rice. He is also survived by his great-grandchild, Xavier Lissette.
Other surviving relatives include his sisters, Andrea Rice and Sue Rice and her wife, Elke Falkenberg. His extended family also includes step-grandchildren Erica Kurrle and her husband, Matt, Chris Labolle, and Jack Labolle, as well as step-great-grandchild Mauer Johnson.
For his family, Rice’s legacy includes far more than his career. The memories of his encouragement, humour, generosity, and enjoyment of time spent together remain central to the life he shared with them.
Funeral and Memorial Arrangements
The supplied obituary lists the following arrangements for family, friends, and community members wishing to pay their respects.
- Visitation: Friday, October 30, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Location: Kenworthy Funeral Home, 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, Pennsylvania.
- Memorial service: Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 1 p.m.
- Service location: St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5055 Grandview Road, Hanover, Pennsylvania 17331.
The gatherings will provide an opportunity to remember Rice’s life and the influence he had across his family, business, and community.
Michael Rice Obituary and Cause of Death
Michael “Mike” W. Rice died on October 10, 2026, at age 84, according to the information provided. He passed away at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his family.
Cause of death: The supplied obituary does not disclose a specific cause of death. No illness or medical condition has been identified, and further details should not be assumed.
Rice will be remembered for his decades of leadership at Utz Quality Foods, his support for first-rate community institutions and charitable causes, and his devotion to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.
His life brought together business achievement and personal generosity. The company he helped lead, the foundation he established with Jane, and the people he supported stand as lasting parts of his legacy.
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