Obituaries
Matthew John Rice, 31
September 20, 2025
We are saddened to share the passing of Matthew John Rice, 31 of Lancaster PA, on Saturday September 20, 2025. He is the loved son of Beth and Dominic Rice and beloved brother of Patrick.
Matthew was born in Sydney Australia on July 26, 1994 moving to his mother’s home of Lancaster PA at the age of five. After graduating from Manheim Township High School, he studied at both Drexel and Millersville Universities.
Matthew used his love of good food, cooking and his close friendships in Lancaster’s restaurant community while working for the past two years at The Restaurant Store. Early on he was a server at Katie’s Grill of Luther Acres and a favorite of the residents. For many years he was the host at The Horse Inn, which was his home away from home.
Words will not do Matthew justice, but we would like to share that he cherished his friendships especially the closest ones that loved and supported him equally in return. A friend described him as the kindest and most genuine person, while another shared that he was such a loved member of the Lancaster community.
Matthew was independent of mind, guided by a strong moral compass. He was witty and well read, with interests ranging from Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader to Don Quixote. He was an avid rugby player during high school, a pit percussionist in marching band, a fearsome D&D Dungeon Master, a lover of classic rock and roll, a better artist than he gave himself credit for, and a recent convert to road running.
Most precious to Matthew was family and his quiet joy was in family gatherings. He will be sorely missed by his family in the United States, parents Dominic and Beth, brother Patrick and his fiancé Tina Szarko , grandfather Jack Wagner, Aunt Anne and Uncle Dan Stuart, cousin Megan Martin, her husband Kyle and their daughters Hadley and Makenna, and Great Aunt Becky and Uncle Roy Horst.
His Australian family, Uncle Simon and Aunt Elizabeth, Uncle Crispin, Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Kate, and cousins Michael, Emily, Daniel, Nicholas, Angourie and Kalliope, and the extended English family of aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is joining those who preceded him in passing, his maternal grandmother Virginia Wagner, his paternal grandparents Kevin and Teresa Rice, and his cousin Benjamin Stuart.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a visitation with Matthew’s family on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 2-4PM at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Casual attire is suggested as Matthew would have wished.
Matthew was a sweet boy and a good man. In lieu of flowers, please remember and honor him by considering a donation to either Mental Health America of Lancaster County at mhalancaster.org or Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center at greystonemanortrc.org.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
October 09, 2025
Dominic & family, sending thoughts and prayers from your old friends & colleagues at Armstrong.
Bob Miller
October 01, 2025
Dominic & Beth,
I was so saddened to hear about Matt. I remember him from his time in the Manheim Township Marching Band—such a kind young man. It was a privilege to work alongside you both during those years. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Cindy Smith (Formerly Cindy Gegg)
September 29, 2025
sending thoughts and prayers for the Rice family. Very sorry for your loss..Marcie
September 29, 2025
I met Matthew when I first started at The Restaurant Store a year ago. My impression was he was always serious about work but took time to make friendly conversations. He was always there to assist me in work related scenarios like finding items or helping with customers. Memories about Matt and the time that I workeed with him are positive. A verse that was shared with me recently is from Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Thinking and praying for the family as well as friends and others in this time.
Sam Liu
September 29, 2025
I remember Matt from Marching Band. Always with a smile on face!!, A truly respectable young man.
My deepest condolences to the Rice family
Andrea Esposito
September 28, 2025
With heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your son, Matthew. May the love, prayers and support of your family and friends bring you comfort during this most difficult time.
Steve and Pam Williams
September 26, 2025
I had the privilege of being Matt’s friend from our teen years. He was a funny, kind, and an adventurous person– I can remember driving around in high school listening to music, him letting me paint his nails on the way to a rugby match, and driving 40 minutes for his favorite Taco place. He was always ready to do whatever we could think of, and some of my favorite high school memories are with him.
Even when I moved away, we kept in touch, and he was always one of the most compassionate and warm people I’ve known. I’m so sorry for your loss, and my heart will have a Matt sized hole ♥️ he is so missed already .Ashley Gross
September 26, 2025
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Praying for you in this darkest hour.❤️✝️🙏🏻 Kathy Burke
September 26, 2025
I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your son. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I can’t begin to imagine the pain you are going through, but know that my thoughts are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.
Wishing you strength and peace.
Sincerely, Joshua Vernon
September 26, 2025
Heartfelt sadness in the passing of your beautiful son. Linda Lombardo
September 26, 2025
Dear Beth & Dominic Len & I were sad to read about your son, Matthew. We did not know him but remember when Matthew also his brother, Patrick were born. We pray you will feel God’s love surround you adjusting to his loss.Mae and Len Wolf
September 26, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Please accept our deepest. John, Cathy and Patrick Speitel
September 26, 2025
So sorry to hear of Matthew’s passing. Thinking of all his family at this time. Big hugs from Australia x. Giselle Garrick
September 25, 2025
My deepest condolences to all of those who loved Matt. It was always a pleasure to see him out and about in Lancaster city, smiling and conversing in his signature leather jacket. He will be missed by his community 💌 Julie Kizeik
September 25, 2025
My husband and I met Matt at the Horse when he first started working there. We lived just across the street and would pop in for a nightcap frequently, so he quickly became a friendly face, and eventually a friend we would chat with at the bar after his shifts ended. Though we weren’t especially close, it’s always been lovely to run into him and catch up, joking around, and talking about music. We just saw him for the first time in several months at the end of August, and I was heartbroken to hear the news this week. Sending so much love to Matt’s family and to Tina. I sure will miss seeing him. Rest in peace, friend. Christy Yoder
September 25, 2025
We were so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you and your loved ones during this difficult time.
With heartfelt condolences,
The DeMartino Family
September 25, 2025
Wishing you strength and comfort through this difficult time. I had the pleasure of working with Matthew at Katie’s Grill during his time with Luther Acres. Praying for all of you.
Diane Hay
- Visitation
- Monday, September 29, 2025
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
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