Robert B. Rice, 85, passed away on Aug. 2, 2024 at St. Andrews Village in Boothbay Harbor.

He was born at home on Nov. 17, 1938, the son of Baxter M. and Rheta M. (Bridges) Rice on Murray Hill Road in East Boothbay. He attended local schools and was employed at his grandfather’s shipyard, Rice Brothers Corporation prior to joining the U.S. Army in 1955.

Robert then began a 21-year military career, retiring in 1976. During his early military career, he attended the University of Maryland in France under the Army’s Bootstrap program of the 1950s. He was a Vietnam veteran during 1968-69 and was stationed in Europe/Far East and the USA during his time in the military.

Robert was also a member of the American Legion Post 36 in Boothbay. He was awarded with the following decorations; Meritorious Service Medal 1st 2nd awards, Meritorious Unit Citation (Combat), five Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and Combat Infantry Barge.

Following retirement, he was employed at Smuggler’s Cove Motel as maintenance supervisor until 1982 when he went into house building and repairs/caretaking, retiring again from that in 2017. He served as vice chair of the East Boothbay Water Co. in the 1990s, served as vice president/president, trustee and photo ID and cataloger for 45 years at the Boothbay Region Historical Society, and served as vice president/president of the Tallwood Estates in the 1990s.

Robert was an avid scale model maker, building many ships, planes, and cars over the years. His models have been displayed in several museums.

He married June E. Rowe of Boothbay Harbor on April 9, 1960. They were married for 64 years.

Robert is survived by his wife June of East Boothbay; daughter Catherine A. Jurgelevich and her husband Kirk of Gray, Maine, and two beautiful grandsons, Kirk Robert and his wife Samantha Frank, and Ryan William Jurgelevich and his wife Whitney; and great-granddaughter Cora June Jurgelevich all of Windham, Maine and nephew Arthur Carter.

The family would like to thank Bob’s neighbors for all of the help they have given him over the years.

Robert’s family will honor his life privately.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To offer online condolences, or to share a story or photo, visit Robert’s Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.