Thomas Rice

Waterford — Thomas Bothwell Rice, Ph.D., 68, of Waterford passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2015.

Tom graduated with a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in biology from Amherst College, Amherst, Mass., in 1968, and a Ph.D. in biology from Yale University, New Haven, in 1973. He was a recipient of the Oscar L. Schotte Award in biology and a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi.

Tom joined Pfizer Central Research, Plant Genetics Department, Groton, in 1976. He was director of the department in 1982 when Pfizer created a joint venture with DEKALB Corporation’s seed division. The joint venture became DEKALB-Pfizer Genetics in 1985 and Tom was named vice president, director of research. The organization renamed to DEKALB Plant Genetics in 1990 and Tom became its president and chief operating officer. In 1993, he became senior vice president, research, director DEKALB Italia, and director SocKalb (France) of DEKALB Genetics Corporation, DeKalb, Ill. Tom retired from DEKALB Genetics in 1995 and the company was subsequently purchased by Monsanto Co. in 1998. Tom continued his business interests and became a consultant to various agricultural biotechnology firms. He became part-owner of ACCESS Plant Technology, Plymouth, Ind., joined AgriBioTech, Las Vegas, Nev., and also formed and co-owned OMEGA Genetics LLC, Henderson, Nev.

Throughout his career Tom was co-inventor on seven U.S. patents. Some of these inventions related to innovative methods for producing transgenic corn using microprojectile bombardment, also known as the “gene gun.” These inventions were transformative in the field of plant genetics and world food production. He was passionate about his work and continued with it until his passing.

Tom’s other life activities included golf, fishing, reading and family. He had visited all 50 United States before the age of 50 (a goal since childhood), and been to 25 countries.

Tom was married to Barbara J. (Long) Rice in 1990; they celebrated 25 years in January, 2015. He is survived by his son, Kevin P. Rice; and daughter, Jessica E. Rydingsward; his three grandchildren, Thomas Joseph “TJ” Rice, Jenna F. Rice and William Thomas Rydingsward; and numerous other friends and family.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas E. Rice and Louise E. Dandelske.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be given to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Attention Dr. Aymen Elfiky, 450 Brookline Ave., Ste DANA 1230, Boston, MA 02215.

Specific and effusive thanks to Dr. Aymen Elfiky, his staff and Dana Farber Cancer Institute for their efforts to prolong Tom’s quality of life, and for their continued efforts to bring the same to other families in need.

A gathering to remember and honor Tom will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at the Par 4 Restaurant at Shennecossett Golf Course, Groton. If you knew Tom and wish to remember him with his family, please join us.