Robert Emerson Rice

South Portland - Robert "Bob" E. Rice, 87, died at home on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. Bob was the youngest of 9 children and was born on October 3, 1931, in Damariscotta, ME. He was the son of the late Lester and Lillian (Pitcher) Rice. Bob grew up in Damariscotta, but lived in Libbytown in Portland for most of his life. He attended local Portland Schools. In eighth grade, at West School, Bob met the love of his life, and wife of 66 years, Margaret Profenno. While attending Deering High School, Bob enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably during the Korean War. Bob and Margaret were married on June 14, 1952. While in the Army, Bob found his love for cooking and turned it into a career in Food Services. During the course of his life he worked at several places including Union Station, First National Bakery, Standard Linen, Bob's Place, and Seaside. He retired after 25 years as the Food Service Manager at The Maine Youth Center. His family has fond memories of the desserts he made for celebrations and holidays. His reputation followed him to the Betsy Ross House, where he was known as "Bob the Baker." Bob was also a member of the Italian Heritage Center in Portland. He enjoyed playing Poker and Texas Hold'em with his buddies. Bob was predeceased by his son, Robert "Bobby"; and his eight siblings, Kenneth, Edward, Lauriston, George, Raymond, Eva, Katherine and Ruth. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Rice of South Portland; three daughters, Debbie Wallace and her husband Peter, Theresa Hasson, Cathy Turner and her husband Brian, all of South Portland; six grandchildren, Sarah Hartford and husband Terry, Jennifer Thurgood and husband Eric, Rebecca French and husband Eric, Amanda Hasson, Ashley Turner, Grace Turner; 5 great grandchildren, Kyle, Madison, Drew, Peyton, Paige and one on the way. Visiting hours will be held from 2-5PM on Sunday, January, 6, at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Funeral service will be held at 10AM on Monday, January 7, at the Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow at Brooklawn Memorial Park, Portland, ME. To view Bob's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com Memorial contributions made in Bob's memory may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241 or to the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 20852-3914