Chad "Chaddy" was born on September 25th, 1972 to Larry (Greaser) and Linda (Bertha) Rice in Fort Wayne, IN. He graduated from Elmhurst High School in 1991 after being kindly asked to leave Bishop Luers in 1990. After graduation, he began his career in construction and labor work. Although Chad loved his Camaro back in the day, his true love for the past 30 years was his wife Theresa (Jugs). They just celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary on July 2nd. In their 30 years together, they raised their two girls Stefanie (Stankanie) and Kayla (Shmayla).

With Chad's mom running a daycare, Chad loved being around kids. Chad made the perfect jungle gym. You could always find him wrestling and playing with the kids at any get together. So, there was no doubt that when he became a grandpa 3 years ago, that he had found his ultimate calling. His two grandsons, Ozzie and Ace, were the lights of his life. Oz knew every time he went to "PaPa's house", he could count on a new toy being there, usually a monster truck.

Chad loved his family more than anything. You might not be able to tell once they all got around each other or by the voicemails Chad left on their phones, but he really did love his brothers Brian (Gimp), Greg (Gonzo), and Jeff (Ol Miss). Plus, his bonus sisters Foxy and Jamie. Having two daughters meant he got two sons-in-law. Eddie and Adam. His latest adventure was hiking Avalanche Mountain to watch Kayla and Adam get engaged. He even bought new hiking shoes for the occasion. Other adventures he enjoyed were fishing with his buddies, kayaking, camping, and spending time with his grandsons. His personality and love for life was big, just like him.

Chad is survived by most of those mentioned above, as well as his nieces and nephews including Jeremy (Flea), Jd, Kailyn, Ellie, and Greysen. His great nieces and nephews Paul, Marilyn, Yuna, and Zinnia. And too many cousins to count. He was preceded in death by his mother Linda and grandparents Albert, Dorothy, Charles, and Mary.

To know Chad, was to get a nickname from Chad. He was so loved by any and everybody that knew him, and was one of the funniest people you would ever meet. Although Chad's wishes were to be stuffed and spend 6 months out of the year with each of his daughters, we've decided to move forward with a celebration of life.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 with visitation from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.