Funeral Details

Roger Thomas Brice, 74, passed away peacefully at home with his family in Chicago, IL on January 2, 2023. He is at rest after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease, which tried but failed to quell his brilliant mind and gentle spirit. His last words were to his loving wife of 52 years, Carol Coleman Brice.


Roger was born on Chicago's West Side, son of William H. and Mary L. Brice and devoted brother to Bill Brice (Michelle Brice) and Kathryn J. (the late Albert) Kaberline. He was nurtured in his early years by many, including his beloved aunts Helen and Sr. Winnifred Ryan and neighbors William & Eileen Stevens and family. With their support and his own hard work, Roger became the first in his immediate family to attend college at DePaul University (summa cum laude, 1970), where he was elected Student Body President and met and married Carol, who became his wife and best friend for over five decades. Roger's intellect, determination, and interest in justice led him to the University of Chicago Law School (Juris Doctor, 1973), where he served as Associate Editor of the University of Chicago Law Review.


Roger went on to become an accomplished lawyer, admitted to the Illinois Bar, Iowa Bar, U.S. District Court, U.S. Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. His working class upbringing gave Roger a life-long interest in labor & employment law, where he tried to bring fairness and dignity to workers throughout his career. Roger began his career with service: first as a Lieutenant, Judge Advocate General, U.S. Naval Reserve and then as an appellate litigation specialist in the Division of Enforcement Litigation, Office of the General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board in Washington, D.C. Roger later entered private practice, first as an associate at Kirkland & Ellis and later as a partner at Reuben & Proctor, Isham Lincoln and Beale, and Dentons (Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal). Roger was widely respected by his colleagues, earning recognition as one of the Best Lawyers in America, as a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, Who's Who in the World, Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who of American Lawyers, Who’s Who Legal, USA Leading Lawyers Network, Illinois Super Lawyers, and more. Throughout, Roger always remained committed to helping young people overcome barriers as others had once helped him, serving on the Board of Directors and as pro bono counsel for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago for twenty-five years. Even in retirement, Roger found ways to contribute, volunteering for Catholic Charities legal aid clinics and serving as President of the Villa Neighborhood Association.


Roger's proudest accomplishment was the loving, stable home that he and Carol created for their family, of whom he was so proud. Roger is remembered with great love by his wife Carol, his three children Caitlin (Justin Maresh), Coleman (Sara Rashid), and Emily (Andrew Stergachis), and five grandchildren (Brice & Linnea, Alya & Thomas, and Olympia). He was lucky to enjoy kindness and care toward the end of his life from Prudence Simwawa Byrd and Jessica Rodriguez. They will all cherish memories of Roger's love for reading, hiking in America's national parks, learning about history and world culture through travel and museums, playing basketball and card games with friends, finding a "good deal," fondness for animals, and enjoying the simple pleasures of a good Boston cream donut, root beer at Berghoff's, or a sausage pizza. He will be missed.


Family and friends are welcome to celebrate Roger’s life by joining the following events: Friday, January 13, 2023, 3-8 PM Wake (Midtown Funeral Home, 3918 W. Irving Park Rd., 60618); Saturday January 14, 2023 10 AM Mass (St. Viator Church, 4170 W. Addison St., 60641). A subsequent memorial ceremony celebrating Roger's life will be scheduled for May 2023 in Chicago. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to two organizations that were dear to Roger, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago or Mercy Home for Boys & Girls.

Arrangements by Midtown Funeral Home and Cremation Options, 773.654.3744, www.midtownfunerals.com.