Brock Whelan Rice

 Brock Whelan Rice was known for his big smile and remarkable ability to make everyone in the room laugh. Sadly, his smile and laugh were extinguished on September 16, 2026, when he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving parents and sister. Born on July 24, 1992, in Carmel, NY to Ronald and Joyce Rice, Brock grew up in Hopewell Junction, NY participating in local youth sports, scouting, and church youth group. He became an Eagle Scout in 2010, leading several small building projects at the Hopewell Reformed Church. He then graduated from John Jay High School.

 Brock proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2012 - 2016, supporting the officer training program at The Basic School on the USMC bases in Quantico, VA and Twentynine Palms, CA. After discharge, he worked as a carpenter alongside his father for several years at LeBlanc General Contracting. He went on to graduate from APEX Technical School where he studied welding technology. After joining Local 21 Plumbers and Steamfitters Union, he worked in New York City for a plumbing contractor and then the HVAC team at Taconic Heating and Cooling in Peekskill, NY.

 Brock loved all things about the outdoors and nature, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, and snowboarding. In 2018, he hiked the beginning section of the Appalachian Trail through Georgia. Always the adventurer, he conquered countless mountains in the Adirondacks and Catskills. He was known to hike in any weather, be it rain, sunshine, sleet, or snow, both with friends and on his own. Brock also enjoyed traveling and visiting State and National Parks, most recently touring the Rocky Mountains in Montana and Western Canada.

 Brock enjoyed listening to all types of music, playing games, and was interested in cars and racing. He especially loved his 2006 Mitsubishi Evo 9 and could often be found with his buddies tinkering and customizing their cars.

 Brock will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He is survived by his parents and sister Erin Arciuolo, brother-in-law Rob, nieces Emma and Lucy, grandparents Robert and Ardis Rice, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, countless friends, and Marine Corps brothers around the country. He was predeceased by his grandparents Alton and Joan Hall. He will forever be in our hearts.

 A visitation will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 4-8 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY. A funeral will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11 am at Hopewell Reformed Church, 143 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Adirondack Mountain Club www.adk.org or the Glioblastoma Research Organization www.gbmresearch.org.