Ira Webster Rice, age 79, former resident of Uniontown and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, November 8, 2012 in Country Meadows Nursing Center, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

He was born December 30, 1932 the son of Joseph Rice and Ethel (Rager) Rice in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Ira was a faithful member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.

He graduated from Johnstown High School, Class of 1951.

After graduation, he worked for the Johnstown Plant of Bethlehem Steel Forge and Axel Plant.

He joined t h e N a v a l Reserves in 1951 and was activated in December of 1952, served on U.S. Barton DD 722 during Korean Conflict and was Honorably discharged in December of 1955.

Ira enlisted with the Pennsylvania State Police on May 3, 1954, served in Troop B Washington, Pennsylvania, also in the Waynesburg, Belle Vernon, Carnegie and Uniontown stations.

Ira served as President of FARC and St. Peter's Lutheran Church Council, and Twin Trees in Connellsville, Pa., Past Master of Fayette Lodge 228, Thrice Potent Master U n i o n t o w n L o d g e o f Perfection, Past Grand Tall Cedars Fayco Forest No. 152, member of Supreme Council 33rd Degree Pittsburgh Consistory, Life Member of Lodge 47, Fraternal Order of Police, member of the former Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 47 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania member of General George C. Marshall AMVETS Post 103 in Hopwood, Pennsylvania, BPO Elks No. 370, the Fayette County Senior Golf League, and 25-year member of the Barber Shop Harmony Society.

Ira enjoyed hunting with friends in Emporium, Pennsylvania and fishing among the lakes of Fayette County.

He also enjoyed gardening and always had a song in his heart.

Ira was a true gentleman and a good role model who will be missed by many.

Ira was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruth Marie (Pavlo) Rice; a son, Jeffrey I. Rice; and sisters, Rachel Rose, Theresa Thomas and Josephine Owens.

Ira is lovingly survived by his daughter, Susan Bero and her husband James of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; grandchildren: James L. Bero Jr. and his wife Erin of Louisville, Kentucky, Alyse Marie Haren and her husband Brian, Fairfield, Ohio, Rachel McMahon and husband Brian of West Chester, Ohio; and his great granddaughter, Avery Marie Bero.

Friends will be received in the STEPHEN R. HAKY FUNERAL HOME INC., 603 N o r t h Gallatin Avenue Extension, Uniontown, Pa., today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

The Funeral Service will follow at 11:30 a.m. in St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 121 Walnut Hill Road, Uniontown, Pennsylvania with Reverend Bernard W. Carl officiating.

Honorarium will be accorded by the Pennsylvania State Police Honor Guard.

Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the FRANCIS G. OZOG FUNERAL HOME INC., 710 Broad Street, Johnstown, PA 15906-2598 (814.539.5127)

Interment will follow next to his beloved wife Ruth in Grandview Cemetery, Johnstown, Pennsylvania where Military Honors will be accorded.

Fraternal Order of Police Services will be conducted in the Haky Funeral Home Chapel today, November 12, at 7 p.m.; followed by Masonic Services at 7:15 p.m

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ira Webster Rice name may be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church or National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016 (1.800.622.9010).