Dr. William Trice D.M.D.

Dr. William Benjamin Trice, D.M.D, age 98, of Erie, passed away Friday, January 13, 2023, at LECOM Senior Living Center. He was born in Newton, GA, on January 28, 1924, and is the son of the late Benjamin Franklin and Henrietta Clark Trice. 

Dr. Trice was a World War II veteran. He served with the Seabees of the U. S. Navy in the 141st Battalion. 

Dr. Trice graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1951, D.D.S. in 1953 and received a D.M.D. in 1969 from the University of Pittsburgh. He enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the field of dentistry. During his career, Dr. Trice conducted research in electrosurgery, management of oral tissue with electrical imaging, and experimentation with various types of liquid bandage materials. He proudly served on the dental staff of Hamot Medical Center for over 30 years and was nationally recognized for his expertise in electrosurgery, lecturing extensively throughout the country.  

Dr. Trice received many awards and honors in recognition of his distinguished career. He was the 1990 recipient of the Pennsylvania Dental Association annual award. The School of Dental Medicine honored him as a Distinguished Dental Alumnus and Dental Alumnus Member of Distinction. Additionally, he was honored with the Thomas P. Hinman medallion. Dr. Trice was a member of the dental honor society OKU; member and First Vice President of the American Dental Association; member and Past-President of the PA Dental Association, and Ninth District Dental Association; member and Past President of the Erie County Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry; and member and Past President of the American Academy of Dental Electrosurgery. He was a fellow in: The American College of Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry.  He was a member of Alpha Omega, the Royal Society of Health (England), the American Endodontics Society, the American Academy of Dental Electrosurgery, and Charter Fellow of the Academy of Dentistry International. He was a member of the International College of Dentists, International Academy of Dentists, and the Federation Dentaire International. Additionally, he was a diplomat of the American Board of Electrosurgery. 

Dr. Trice was a devoted Pitt alumnus who was active in the Pitt School of Dental Medicine's Board of Visitors, Executive Board, and Alumni Association Board. He was an enthusiastic member and Past President of the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association, as well as the Erie Pitt Alumni Club. Dr. Trice’s numerous university-wide Pitt awards include Legacy Laureate, the Bicentennial Medallion, the 1988 Pitt Volunteer of the Year, and the 1991 Distinguished Alumni Award.  

Faith was also an important part of Dr. Trice’s life. He was a dedicated member of St. Peter Cathedral and served as a eucharistic minister. He received the Papal honor of Knight of the Order of Pope St. Sylvester for community service. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and Serra Club.   

As a community leader, Dr. Trice was an active fundraiser for the American Heart Association and was past chair of the Pennsylvania Heart Association. He was a founder, member, and Past President of Presque Isle Rotary. He was a member and Past President of the Erie Torch Club and a member of the Board of Directors of United Way of Erie County as well as a member of the Board of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Additionally, Dr. Trice was a member and past Chairman of the Board for public television and radio station WQLN in Erie, and of the PA Heart Association and Northwestern Heart Association. Other community interests and activities for Dr. Trice included membership on the Board of the Directors for the Erie Philharmonic. Dr. Trice was a member for 73 years of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.   

Examples of his volunteer commitment to education were his Trustee membership for Stoneleigh-Burnham School in Massachusetts and as a member of the Parents Committee for Wellesley College. Dr. Trice also coordinated continuing education for dentists in the Erie area for the University of Pittsburgh.  

Creativity and outdoor activities were also important parts of Dr. Trice’s life. In addition to his professional, academic, spiritual, and civic pursuits, Dr. Trice enjoyed woodcarving, hunting, and oil painting.  

Dr. Trice was a dedicated husband, father, friend and colleague. He was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Dr. Mildred Moore Trice, and brothers, Robert L. Trice, and W. Shelley Trice.  He is survived by two daughters, Attorney Sheila Trice Bell (husband, Howard), of Silver Spring, MD and Dr. Angela Trice Borgia (husband, Samuel), of Erie, PA; four grandchildren, Mayet Andreassen (husband, Erik), Annora Bell (husband, Lewis Smith), William Bell (wife, Kaitlin Konkel), and Eliza Borgia; four great grandchildren; and other loving relatives. 

Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc., 602 West 10th Street, on Friday, January 27, 2023, from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 – 8:00 P.M.  

On Saturday, January 28, 2023, friends are invited for a viewing at 9:30 A.M. and at 10:00 A.M. are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter Cathedral, 230 West 10^th Street, Erie, PA. 16501. Following the mass, interment will occur at Gate of Heaven Cemetery and Mausoleum, 5711 West Lake Road, Erie, PA, 16505. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made to a charity of your choice that reflects the wide range of professional and community service for good health and education to which Dr. Trice dedicated his time and talent.  

Condolences may be sent to www.burtonfuneralhomes.com.