Martin E. Rice

Rice, Martin Errol, 64, long time St. Petersburg attorney passed away on Monday, February 3, 2014 after an illness with cancer. Born in Cortland New York, the family moved to New Port Richey in 1956. His father Robert Irving Rice and his mother, Bessie Virginia "Ginny" Rice, predeceased him. His beloved wife, Elaine Smith Rice, his two sons and his daughter-in-law survive him. Brad (Leisa) Baptiste Rice and Jonathan I. Rice, both of St. Petersburg; his brother, Allison (Annette) Rice, Crystal River, FL; sister Denise (Mike) Gutowski, New Port Richey. Marty left home at the age of 17 and was self- supporting for the balance of his life. He was proud of having worked his way through college and law school. Gulf High School 1967, St. Pete JC 69, USF 71, Stetson College of Law 1974 with honors, where he served on the Board of Overseers. He began his legal career as an associate with the law firm of Harris, Clark, Green, and Piper; he was quickly made a named partner, in the firm of Harris, Green, Piper, Davenport, Nelson and Rice. He then practiced with Robert Willis, Sr., and thereafter was in sole practice. Over his career he represented people from all stations in life, from the poorest to some of the wealthiest members of the community. Judges, lawyers and prominent people sought his judgment. He approached the law as a gentlemen lawyer, with professional judgment, always prepared, and determined to win, while remaining respectful of his opponents. Marty wished to be remembered not only as a lawyer but as a good, and decent person, who tried to do the right thing. He had great love for his wife Elaine, his sons, daughter-in-law and for all living things, especially his two dogs Moxie and Mr. Sneakers (a lab rescue). He was the recipient of many academic awards, and awards relating to the practice law. He held many prestigious positions in the law and in the community. In 2000 the Judges of Pinellas County awarded him the Richard Earle Award for Professionalism, for demonstrating "...the highest degree of professionalism in the practice of law." He was active in helping the poor through his involvement in the St. Petersburg Bar Association where he served as its then youngest president, with Gulfcoast Legal Aid where he was an early board member, and with the Community Law Program. Marty was a descendant of early American settlors, Moses, Rufus, Benjamin Frank, Irving Frank, Errol, and Robert Irving, many of whom are buried in Cortland Rural Cemetery. His remains will be interned at Sunnyside Cemetery. Marty wished to express his gratitude to Bud Risser and Robert Willis, Jr., and his guardian angel Joanne Leverone, for the support they showed him at the end of his life. If you wish to make a donation in Marty's memory please consider Suncoast Hospice (www.suncoasthospice.org) or Tampa Bay Lab Rescue (www.labrescuefl.org).