John Robert Rice of Melrose, died at his home on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. He was only 69 years old. Born on January 23, 1943 in Malden, he was the son of the late John H. & Theresa I. (Powers) Rice. He was raised in Malden and attended Malden Public Schools. John worked as a chemical processor with Atlantic Gelatin for 10 years and then as a forklift operator with H.P. Hood for a year and finally as a chemical batch maker with Clark Sterling of Malden for 7 years. John enjoyed miniature golf, salt water & the beach, traveling to Colorado, New Hampshire & Florida, renting action movies, arcades & the New England Patriots. He was the loving husband of Leonora A. (Teixeira) Rice of Melrose with whom they shared 26 years of marriage. A Funeral Service will be held in the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Tuesday, February 14th at 10AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours Monday from 2-6PM. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Arrangements by The Gately Funeral Home of Melrose. Memorial contributions in John's memory may be made to the American Diabetes Assoc. 330 Congress St. 5th Fl. Boston, MA 02210. For directions, flowers or to sign guest book, please visit www.gatelyfh.com