Daniel O. Rice

Daniel O. Rice (Dan), 64, of Providence, RI, formerly of Seekonk, MA and Dartmouth, MA, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025 at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, after a courageous three-year battle with melanoma.

Born in Portland, ME, he was the son of the late Owen P. Rice and Jeanette B. (Bridgham) Knight. Later, considered a son to the late Gerald R. Knight. Dan was a talented graphic artist— a package designer whose creativity left a lasting mark on countless products and brands. Early in his career, he contributed to iconic packaging for Hasbro, hand-drawing hundreds of designs. He later worked for nearly 30 years at Packaging Consultants, Inc. of New Bedford, where his work touched major global companies such as Titleist, FootJoy, Yankee Candle, and Disney.

He was known not only for his artistic talent and sharp eye for design, but also for his brilliant mind, uncanny sense of direction, and near-photographic memory. Dan had a witty, observational sense of humor that drew comparisons to Seinfeld—always ready with a quip about the small absurdities of modern life. He brought levity, kindness, and insight to every conversation, and always made people feel welcome.

A devoted father and loving grandfather, Dan leaves behind his two children, Zachary D. Rice of North Chesterfield, VA, Jenna L. Rice and her partner Max Wienecke of Greensboro, NC; and his beloved granddaughter, Lily A. Rice-Wienecke. He is also survived by his brothers, James P. Rice, William W. Rice and his partner Reinette Buzzell, both of Old Orchard Beach, ME; his cherished cousins Sheryle Towle and her husband Mike Towle, and Bill Bridgham and his partner Connie Jackson, whose support meant so much to him; his two nieces Jess Rice and her husband Ted Koehler of Richmond, Maine, and Melissa Wescott and her husband Kevin Wescott of Poland, Maine; his nephew Travis Rice of Old Orchard Beach, Maine; and many other dear friends and extended family who stood by him through his illness. 

Dan was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and founding member of the U2 Fan Club. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures—good music, great design, a well-timed joke, and time spent with those he loved most. Above all, he fought with quiet strength for one thing: more time with his family.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and care teams at Dana-Farber and Brigham & Women’s Hospital for their tireless dedication and compassion. Their efforts gave us precious time and comfort during an unimaginably hard journey.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 P.M., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 P.M. in the Home of J.H. Williams & Co., 210 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dan’s memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or the Melanoma Research Foundation.

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