October 15, 2026

Michael “Mike” W. Rice, 84, of New Oxford, Pennsylvania, died on Saturday, October 10, 2026, surrounded by his family at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, according to the obituary information provided. A respected business leader, longtime executive of Utz Quality Foods, and dedicated philanthropist, Rice leaves behind a legacy shaped by family tradition, charitable service, and a lifelong commitment to the people and organisations he cared about.

His passing marks the loss of a prominent member of the Hanover-area community whose professional accomplishments were accompanied by humility, generosity, and devotion to family. For more than five decades, he helped guide the family business while supporting local institutions, encouraging young people, and contributing to organisations throughout the region.

Michael W. Rice Cause of Death

According to the supplied obituary, Michael “Mike” W. Rice died on October 10, 2026, at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, surrounded by his loved ones.

His specific cause of death was not disclosed in the supplied obituary. No particular illness, medical condition, or other cause was identified, and no further medical explanation should be assumed.

Early Life and Education

Born on October 4, 1942, in Hanover, Pennsylvania, Mike was the son of the late Francis Xavier Rice and Arlene Utz Hollinger. He grew up in a family with strong ties to the local community and a food business that would become central to his professional life.

He attended Hanover High School before earning his undergraduate degree from Mount St. Mary’s University in 1965. He subsequently graduated from George Washington University Law School in 1968 and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar.

After law school, Rice briefly worked at Control Data Corporation in Virginia. When his parents asked him to return to Hanover to join the family business, he began a career that would span more than half a century.

A Lasting Legacy at Utz Quality Foods

Utz Quality Foods was founded by Rice’s grandparents in 1921, when they began making potato chips in their kitchen. The small family enterprise grew into a significant food company, and Rice played an important role in carrying that heritage forward.

During more than 50 years with Utz, he held senior leadership positions, including chief executive officer and chairman of the board, before becoming chairman emeritus. He took pride in preserving his grandparents’ legacy while helping the company grow and maintain the family values that shaped its beginnings.

Even after stepping away from active leadership, Rice remained interested in the company’s future and took pleasure in seeing it continue to succeed.

His commitment also extended to the wider snack food industry. He served on the board of the Snack Food Association for many years and was chairman of the board in 1982. Through these responsibilities, he contributed to an industry that had been an important part of his family’s history and his own professional journey.

Community Service and Philanthropy

Rice’s influence extended well beyond the business world. He devoted considerable time and energy to organisations serving Hanover and surrounding communities.

He was a longtime member of the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees of the Hanover Area YMCA and served on the board of Hanover Hospital. He was also a founding member of Sageworth Trust Company in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 2001.

His commitment to young people was reflected in his support for Sacred Heart School and his involvement in youth programmes. He coached football at Park Hills Elementary School and participated in the YMCA’s father-child programmes, now known as Adventure Guides.

Together with his wife, Jane, Rice established the Rice Family Foundation, which continues to provide grants to dozens of nonprofit organisations each year. The couple also opened their home for fundraising events benefiting local causes.

His generosity extended beyond formal charitable work. He offered practical assistance to people in need, supported aspiring entrepreneurs and new businesses, and shared his experience with those seeking advice and guidance.

Through these efforts, Rice helped strengthen the community he cared deeply about and left a legacy of service that reached far beyond his professional achievements.

A Life Filled With Family, Travel, and Personal Interests

Outside his career and charitable commitments, Rice enjoyed a wide range of interests. He was an avid reader with a lifelong fascination with history and appreciated golf, tennis, and international travel with Jane.

A wine enthusiast and lover of good food, he valued memorable meals and the company of friends. His enthusiasm for music also led him to travel considerable distances to see one of his favourite performers, Elton John, in concert.

Basketball was another enduring interest. Rice was a devoted University of North Carolina basketball fan and especially enjoyed following the Tar Heels with his daughter, Stacie, throughout each season.

He also treasured opportunities to support his family through sports. He followed his son Matt’s games as he grew up and later cheered on his grandchildren at their own sporting events.

These interests gave him opportunities to build memories with the people closest to him and reflected his appreciation for shared experiences.

Remembered for His Humility and Humour

Those who knew Rice will remember his sharp intellect, humility, and dry sense of humour. Although he was a man of few words, he could capture a room’s attention when sharing a story or offering a thoughtful observation.

His professional success never appeared to diminish his modest nature. He did not need to draw attention to his accomplishments, and his influence often came through quiet guidance, meaningful conversations, and the example he set for others.

His combination of intelligence, warmth, and understated humour helped make him a respected leader and a valued presence among family, friends, and colleagues.

A Devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather

Above all his professional and community accomplishments, Rice treasured his family. He shared 60 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Jane Epley Rice, building a life centred on love, friendship, and community.

He is survived by Jane; his daughter, Stacie Rice Lissette, and her husband, Dylan; and his son, Matthew Rice, and his wife, Toni.

His grandchildren include Max Lissette and his wife, Krissy; Payton Lissette Steinhart and her husband, Teddy; Alex Lissette and his wife, Katie; Caleb Lissette; Colin Lissette; and Lily Rice. He is also survived by his great-grandchild, Xavier Lissette.

His extended family includes his sisters, Andrea Rice and Sue Rice and her wife, Elke Falkenberg; his step-grandchildren, Erica Kurrle and her husband, Matt, Chris Labolle, and Jack Labolle; and his step-great-grandchild, Mauer Johnson.

Rice and Jane loved bringing people together, and their home became a gathering place for celebrations, conversations, and memorable evenings. Some of his happiest moments