Gordon Rice

Gordon Rice, age 87, died on June 8, 2016. 

Born in Mogadore on December 18, 1928, Gordon was an industrial arts teacher for both Mogadore and the Akron Schools, and was the Coordinator of Industrial Arts for the Akron Schools for 14 years. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, was an instructor for a year and was a fire director in the 14th Heavy Mortar Company, 25th Infantry Division. Mr. Rice was awarded The Combat Infantry Badge, and was a life member of Firestone VFW Post 3383, a member of the Greentown American Legion Post and the Korean War Veterans Association. 

Preceded in death by his sister, Dona (Harvey) Ford of Mogadore; and parents, Helene (Ruggles) Rice and Harley Rice of Mogadore, he is survived by his wife of 64 years, Nora (Fassnacht) Rice; sons, Jefferson (Peggy O’Leary) of Akron, Jon (Kim) of Plano, Texas; daughter, Susan Poda and fiancé, Richard Kaylor of Lake Township; granddaughters, Michael (Dustin Dewald), Tyler (Charlie Giron) and Dylan Rice; grandsons, Matthew and Andrew (Alyse) Poda; great-grandchildren, Logan and Baxter; and special “brother”, Adrian Achtermann. Gordon’s family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Summa Palliative Care for their care and concern. 

Funeral service will be held Saturday, 3 p.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 3553 Northdale Street NW, UNIONTOWN, Ohio 44685 (one block NW of the square of 619 & Cleveland Ave.) with Rev. Elizabeth Frank officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until service time. Burial will take place Monday, 11 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Mogadore. 

At Gordon’s request, in lieu of flowers or other remembrances donations may be made in his name and honor to worthy causes of the donor’s choice, or to the Summit County Retired Teachers Honor Fund or Scholarship Fund; Mogadore Schools Alumni Foundation; the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, P.O. Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425; or Buckeye Trail Association, P.O. Box 254, Worthington, OH 43085.