Writing Michael W. “Mike” Rice Obituary-Death: Former Utz CEO Dies at 84

The Hanover, Pennsylvania, business community and snack food industry are mourning Michael W. “Mike” Rice, the longtime Utz leader whose vision helped turn a family potato chip business into a nationally recognized snack food company.

Michael W. “Mike” Rice Obituary and Death Report

Michael W. “Mike” Rice, former chairman and chief executive officer of Utz Quality Foods, died on October 10, 2026, at the age of 84. According to Utz Brands and his official funeral-home obituary, he passed away at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his family.

Rice devoted more than five decades to the family business, becoming one of the central figures in its growth and development. His leadership helped Utz expand beyond its Pennsylvania and Maryland roots, broaden its range of snack products, strengthen manufacturing operations, and reach customers across the United States.

His death marks the loss of a longtime business leader whose career was closely tied to the history of Utz and the Hanover community.

A Lifetime of Leadership at Utz Quality Foods

Mike Rice was born on October 4, 1942, in Hanover, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Francis Xavier Rice and Arlene Utz Rice, and the grandson of William and Salie Utz, who founded the company in 1921 by making potato chips in their home kitchen.

Rice began working in the family business at just 11 years old, unloading burlap sacks of potatoes during the summer. He continued taking on various jobs after school and on weekends, gaining firsthand experience with the business long before becoming one of its senior leaders.

After graduating from Mount St. Mary’s University in 1965, he earned his law degree from George Washington University Law School in 1968. He formally joined Utz that year and became executive vice president in 1970.

In 1978, Rice was appointed president and chief executive officer. He became chairman and CEO in 1992, guiding the company through decades of expansion and change.

Under his leadership, Utz increased its manufacturing capabilities, expanded distribution into new markets, and added more snack categories to its portfolio. The company developed beyond its original potato chip business, helping establish a broader presence in the competitive American snack food industry.

Rice later moved into the role of executive chairman in 2012, passing day-to-day leadership to Dylan Lissette. Following Utz’s transition to public ownership in 2020, Rice served as a director and chairman emeritus. He retired from the board in August 2024 while continuing to provide advice to the company.

A Leader Remembered by the Utz Community

Utz Brands described Rice as an iconic figure whose contributions to the company were extensive. Company leadership also emphasized his belief that employees should be treated as family.

Rice was known for stressing the importance of attention to detail and taking care of the small things. That philosophy became a lasting part of the company culture and reflected his approach to building a business over many decades.

His influence extended beyond corporate leadership. Rice served on the board of the Snack Food Association for many years and was its chairman in 1982, contributing to the wider snack food industry.

In December 2024, Utz opened a 650,000-square-foot national logistics hub in Hanover named the Rice Distribution Center in recognition of Mike and his wife, Jane, and their longstanding contributions to the company.

His legacy remains connected to the growth of Utz, the people who helped build the business, and the community where the company began.

Family, Philanthropy, and Community Service

Away from the business, Rice was deeply involved in community initiatives and charitable work. He served with the Hanover Area YMCA and Hanover Hospital and supported educational programs and youth activities.

Mike and his wife, Jane Epley Rice, established the Rice Family Foundation in 2017. The foundation supports nonprofit organisations working to improve education, health, and family well-being in communities around Hanover.

The couple also opened their home for fundraising events and supported local initiatives over many years. Their charitable work reflected a belief that the company’s success should also benefit the community that helped sustain it.

Rice enjoyed travelling with Jane, reading history, playing golf and tennis, and attending concerts. He was also a devoted UNC basketball fan and took pleasure in following the sporting activities of his children and grandchildren.

His family remembered him as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who valued time with loved ones and friends.

Michael W. “Mike” Rice Personal Details

Incident and Death Details

Funeral and Memorial Arrangements

According to the official obituary published by Kenworthy Funeral Home, visitation for Mike Rice is scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2026, in two sessions: from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kenworthy Funeral Home, 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, Pennsylvania.

A service celebrating and remembering his life is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5055 Grandview Road, Hanover, Pennsylvania.

The family has invited those wishing to honour Rice’s memory to consider making memorial contributions to the Hanover Area YMCA or another charity of their choice. Further details are available through Kenworthy Funeral Home.

A Lasting Legacy in American Snack Food

Mike Rice helped guide Utz through decades of change while maintaining its connection to the family that founded it. His leadership supported the company’s expansion into new products and markets and helped establish the manufacturing and distribution network behind its national reach.

His contributions also extended to the people who worked for the company and the Hanover community where he spent much of his life. Through business leadership, philanthropy, and family involvement, Rice left a legacy that will continue to be associated with Utz for years to come.

As relatives, colleagues, and the wider snack food industry remember him, his life stands as a story of long-term commitment to a family business and the community that grew alongside it.

Disclaimer

This article is based on the official announcement from Utz Brands, the funeral-home obituary, and published industry reporting. The cause of Mike Rice’s death was not specified in the materials reviewed and has therefore not been assumed. Funeral details are based on the published obituary and should be confirmed with the funeral home if arrangements change.