Timothy E. Rice

Former multiple term Onondaga County Legislator, Timothy E. Rice, 86, of Manlius passed away on September 14, 2022, after a short illness. After studying at Reed College and receiving an economics master’s degree from Yale University, Timothy settled in Syracuse with his wife Susan in the early 1960’s. Timothy became a fixture in the Syracuse political scene and was an outspoken advocate for social and civil rights. In 1993, Timothy ended serving 24 years as the 18th district Onondaga County legislator during which time he held respected positions as majority and minority leader of the democratic legislative party.

He loved serving his constituents in the Syracuse University area during his tenure and was heavily involved up until his passing with the Thornden Park Association. Timothy also was an active member of the First Unitarian-Universalist Church. He enjoyed grant writing for multiple projects and organizations including the Syracuse Housing Division.

Predeceased by his first wife, Susan Rice, and his second wife, Joanne Kaplan.
Timothy is survived  by his children from his first marriage; Sons Ethan Rice (Iellan), of Syracuse, Jason Rice, of Manassass, VA, Aaron Rice (Jamillah), of Baltimore, MD, Daughters Jessica Rice and Malaika Rice, of Syracuse. Surviving from his second marriage are; Stepson Craig Kaplan, of Syracuse,  Stepdaughters Cheryl Kaplan (James), of State College, PA, and Wendy Kaplan-Emmons (James), of Cape May, NJ. Also surviving are several grand children and great grand children.

A memorial service is scheduled to be held Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at First Unitarian-Universalist Church, 250 Waring Road, Syracuse, NY 13224.

Those who wish to honor Timothy’s remembrance may make contributions to the Thornden Park Association; First Unitarian-Universalist Society of Syracuse.