Michael W. Rice: key obituary facts
Is Michael W. Rice dead? Yes. Michael W. Rice died on October 10, 2026, at age 82.
Cause of death: Michael W. Rice's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Michael W. Rice known for?
He was an American businessman.
More about Michael W. Rice
Born: 9 December 1943.
Gender: male.
Occupation: business executive.
Nationality: United States.
Education: George Washington University, Mount St. Mary's University.
Michael W.
Rice, an American food company executive and chairman of Utz Brands, died October 10, 2026, aged 82. Born December 9, 1943, he was the son of Francis Xavier Rice and Arlene (Utz) Rice of Hanover, Pennsylvania.
Rice held senior roles at Utz for decades, serving as executive vice president from 1970 to 1978 before becoming president and chief executive officer, a position he held from 1978 to 1992. He then served as chairman of the board and chief executive officer from 1992 until 2012. In December 2012, he took on the role of executive chairman; he later served as a director, chairman emeritus and special adviser to Utz Quality Foods. During his tenure as chief executive, Rice led the company’s expansion across most of the eastern United States. Utz’s annual revenues exceeded $500 million in 2009. A member of the Mount St. Mary’s University class of 1965, Rice also earned a law degree from George Washington University Law School. He was a member of the board of managers of the Utz Members. Rice was the father-in-law of Dylan Lissette, who became Utz’s chief executive officer.