Noel P. Rice

Beloved husband of the late Sheila (nee Corcoran);  loving father of Cathleen (John) Halliburton and Kevin (Patti) Rice;  proud and cherished grandfather of Patricia and Ian Halliburton and Eileen and Claire Rice;  devoted son of the late John and Kathleen Rice;  dear brother of Eithnae (the late Jack) Kinney and the late Fred, Georgina and Dierdre.  Native of Tipperary, Ireland.  Noel was passionate about playing, teaching and discussing Irish Traditional music.  He was a master flute and tin whistle player and a teacher and mentor for countless students and musicians across the mid west and the country. He would often strike up a conversation about music, the creative process or the latest book he read. He collected music, recordings and shared everything he had with anyone who had a passion to learn. Noel was prolific in building music pieces and putting together performance groups. He played regularly as the leader of Baal Tinne, and was the Director of several performance groups from his Academy. He founded the Academy of Irish Music more than 30 years ago. Well before then, and ever since, Noel taught countless kids how to play and love music, and so much more. Please join us in sending our condolences to his family, all of whom have played, taught or learned from Noel too. May he rest in peace. Visitation Saturday 3-8 p.m. at Cooney Funeral Home 625 Busse Hwy Park Ridge.  Interment private Info 847-685-1002 www.cooneyfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Noel P. Rice, please visit our floral store.