Passing of Director Joseph Rice Ends Exemplary Record of Service to Youth
Released on: November 12, 2001

Boys Republic was saddened to learn of the death of its longest tenured Board of Directors member, Joseph B. Rice. His extraordinary commitment to the agency spanned more than four decades of service to disadvantaged teens.

Joseph B. Rice

“The loss of Joe on our Board is a crippling event for us and he will be dearly missed,” said executive director Max Scott. “He appreciated the history and traditions of Boys Republic which made him tremendously valuable in offering visionary guidance and direction for the agency.”

Joseph B. Rice, Jr. was born on February 17, 1914 in Beloit, Wisconsin. He studied at the University of Wisconsin, where he received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. In 1940, he earned an MBA in industrial management and accounting from Harvard University. He embarked upon a successful career in industry, always on the cutting edge of technology. In 1967, he purchased Jay O’Day, Inc., a lapidary business which eventually evolved to a successful company providing table games and books to prisons by contract.

Mr. Rice joined the Boys Republic Board of Directors in July 1957. During the ensuing 44 years, Rice served in every office and capacity on the Board. He served a three-year term as president, from 1959-1962. Over the years, he distinguished himself as a stimulating, innovative thinker who was highly committed to program research and evaluation.

Joseph B. Rice is survived by his wife Betsey and son Webster, his immediate family.