Thomas Joseph "TJ" Rice passed away suddenly at his home in Malden, on Friday, February 12, 2010 at the age of 46. TJ was born in Medford, raised in Melrose and graduated from Malden Catholic High School, Class of 1981. Mr. Rice lived in Malden for the past 14 years and summered in Barnstead, NH on Locke Lake for the past 6 years before moving to Barnstead permanently last year. He was the founder and owner of Rice Landscaping for the past 14 years. TJ was a hard working husband and father who cherished the times spent with his family. He liked going on trips, spending time on the lake, jet skiing and taking trips with his girls. TJ also loved his dog Jenieve. Mr. Rice was the loving husband of Janice L. (Guarino) Rice. Devoted father of Melony A. & Victoria E. Rice. Beloved son of Arlene E. (Harris) Rice of W. Peabody & the late William A. Rice. Brother of William A. Rice Jr. of Winchester, Paula J. Marshall & her husband Francis of Boxford and Kevin M. Rice of Malden. Son-in-law of Veronica A. Guarino of Malden & the late Anthony Guarino. Brother-in-law of Anthony & Angela Guarino of Tewksbury. Also survived by several nieces & nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Wed. Feb. 17th at 9AM. Funeral Mass in TJ's memory at The Church of the Incarnation, 425 Upham St. Melrose, at 10AM. Relatives & friends invited. Visiting hours Tuesday from 4:00-8:00PM. Interment in Puritan Lawn Cemetery in Peabody. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sawtelle Family Hospice House, 320 Haverhill St. Reading, 01867.