William Edward Rice

William “Zack” Rice

Rice, William, “Zack”, 61, of Delray Beach, Florida passed away suddenly at home on August 17, 2026.

Born October 31, 1964 in Potsdam NY, son of the late Corrine (Cahoon) Rice and Gerald Rice, beloved husband, father, brother, brother in-law, uncle and friend.

A love of the sea took him all around the world as a Yacht Captain and Engineer. He loved the Caribbean and Bahamas best, living in both the U.S.V.I and Little Pipe Cay, Bahamas. His trademark white cap and sunglasses were staples at Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club as the Dockmaster and later at Lighthouse Point Yacht & Racquet Club as the Marina Manager and Facilities Director.

He will be best remembered for his wit, humor, tenacity and most of all his kind heart and generosity. In 2011 he co-founded the Boating and Beach Bash for People with Disabilities.

His greatest joy and accomplishment was his daughter, Madeline. Always quick with the corny “dad” joke and encouragement. In addition to his adored daughter, Zack will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of 30-years, Laureen (Davenport) Rice. Thank you for the years we shared, the laughter, and the love.

A Celebration of Life in memory of Zack will be held on Saturday, August 22nd from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Gary Panoch Funeral Home, 6140 N Federal Highway, Boca Raton, Florida 33487. Donations may be made in memory of Zack to the American Disabilities Foundation, 1117 SW 13th Place, Boca Raton, Florida 33486 or americandisabilitiesfoundation.org.

His ashes will be returned to the place he loved, the sea, in a private ceremony.

• Professional arrangements are entrusted to:

• Gary Panoch Funeral Home, 6140 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33487, 561-997-8580

• www.gpanochfunerals.com

• easyonlinecremations.com