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.