Donald Harpster Rice, M.D., age 93, of Millcreek, PA, passed away peacefully while holding his son's hand on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 in the ICU of UPMC Hamot. He was born May 22, 1918 in Half Moon Valley, PA, the son of Esther (Harpster) Rice and stepson of J. Ambrose Rice. He was a retired Radiologist who specialized in Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Oncology. Known to friends as "Doc" he was a selfless, independent and self-made man who never complained. Doc prided himself in doing things that caused people to wonder, how did he do that?
In his early years, he borrowed books from the church library and spent his spare time reading as a favorite hobby. During his teen years Doc worked on local farms for minimal pay in order to finance his Pre-Medical Bachelor's degree which he earned from Penn State University in 1939. He then went on to Temple Medical School where he graduated with his M.D. degree in 1943.
Following graduation Doc fought for our country in WWII as a Medical Officer and Battalion Surgeon in the 125th Armored Engineer Battalion and the 2827th Engineer Combat Battalion and Amphibian Engineer Outfit. In 1953 he received an honorable discharge as Major Donald Rice. Doc was awarded the American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the Distinguished Unit Badge.
His professional career consisted of multiple moves between Pennsylvania and North Carolina. At one point, he was promoted to Chief of the Radiology Department of West Penn Hospital located in Pittsburgh, PA. He was relied upon by his colleagues as the "go-to" physician for solving complex medical issues, and was well respected by those who worked with him.
Anyone who knew Doc knew he loved working outdoors, cooking bacon and eggs and drinking a pot of "swamp water" coffee every day. He owned a gentleman's farm, where he cleared brush, mowed trails for the grand kids to ride their ATVs, and watched wildlife. He had the ability to place a twig in the ground and produce a beautiful tree. But his favorite thing to do was to drive his farm equipment; especially his backhoe.
Survivors include his son, Donald W. Rice (Julie) of Erie, daughters Linda Rodgers (David) of Saratoga, CA, and Susan Rice of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, grandchildren, Katlyn "Cookie" Rice of Jamestown, NY, Alexander Hintenach, of Newport Beach, CA, and Michael Eng of Providence, RI. He is also survived by dear friends Keith and Marion Schaffner of DuBois, PA, Bill, Jim and Shelly Spacht of Ripley, NY and the wonderful staff and friends at Springhill Senior Living Community in Erie, where he resided for the last two years.
A private celebration of Doc's life will be held at Springhill's OakView Assisted Living. The family requests any memorial donations be made to South Ripley Hose Co, Inc., 10268 NE Sherman Rd., Ripley, NY 14775, in support of his volunteer firefighter neighbors and friends. Funeral arrangements handled by Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street.
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