Roberto Rice 71 years of age, of Cleveland Ohio, passed away on August 6, 2023 at 5:59 PM (His fathers Elli Rice birthday) after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

Roberto Rice formerly known as Robert Lee Rice was born on December 20, 1951 to Ellis and Addie pearl Rice, in West Point, Mississippi.

Roberto’s family moved to Cleveland in 1961, and he matriculated through the Cleveland Public school System, graduating from East high School in 1971.

Following high school, Roberto was employed as an apprentice ironworker for three years, before earning his strips as a master ironworker, working in that capacity for fourteen years.

During his years as an ironworker, he also attended classes in the evenings to learn fashion design, attending three designer schools: Jane Addams, Tri-C Community College, and Clock Designer School for Dressmaking.

Roberto received his designer diploma in 1976 from the Clock Designer School for Dressmaking. During his employment as an ironworker, Roberto was injured in a work-related accident and was forced to take an early retirement in 1986. After his retirement from the iron industry, Roberto was employed as a fashion designer, and for a period he owned his own company, “Roberto and Professional Models.”

After the death of his younger brother Levi Rice, Roberto joined the maintenance staff of St. Constanine and Helen Mayfield Hts. Ohio, serving the position for four years, at that point he resumed his career as a fashion designer and owning his own company-Professional M. Alteration and Tailor- which was located at Cleveland’s Collinwood area. His famous saying was “Keep your head up!”.

Roberto Rice was preceded in death by his father and mother Ellis Rice and Addie Pearl Rice, sisters; Omelia “Baby -Doll” Rice and Mary L. Rice- Dandridge. Also, his brothers Levi Rice, Charles Rice, and Jerome Rice.

Roberto is survived by his brothers, Henry Rice, Lee E. Rice, Thomaas Rice and Clint Rice, two sisters Norman Jean Rice, Gwen Rice-Doss, and a host of aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews along with many, many  friends.

Roberto you will be truly missed!