Phillip Elsworth Rice

Phillip Elsworth Rice, 87, of Hancock County, Findlay, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025. Born on November 8, 1937, Phil lived a full life defined by family, service, and a deepening faith. Phil was predeceased by his beloved wife, Diane Rice (née Lucas), and leaves behind a legacy of love and loyalty. He is survived by his children Craig Rice and Brent Rice, as well as his stepchildren Sherry Casuccio, Michael Casuccio, and Joseph Casuccio. He was a devoted and proud grandfather to Samuel Rice, Skylar Rice, Kathryn Rice, and Boden Rice. In his early adulthood Phil was involved in the Jaycees and other civic organizations, finding joy and purpose in civic service. As his family grew along with his career in manufacturing, he devoted much of his time to family life. He was an avid outdoorsman who found peace in nature—whether hunting, freshwater fishing, or casting a line in the salt waters of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Though golf once caught his attention, his heart belonged to the woods and waters. Phil was fiercely loyal to his family, a trait he carried with quiet pride through every season of his life. In his later years, he found profound comfort and strength in his Christian faith, developing a deep and abiding love for our Savior, Jesus Christ. A generous spirit, Phil was a faithful supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/ , feeling the inspiration to help others in need. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.