Bernard Charles “Bernie” Rabideau, 69, died Wednesday, November 15, 2017 in his home surrounded by his family with love, following an eight month battle with pancreatic cancer.

He leaves his wife of 35 years, Deborah (Bastian) Rabideau; his daughter, Kimberly Rabideau (Abu Dhabi); his son Edward Rabideau (Winchester, VA); a sister, Rita Anne Harris (Arizona); three grandchildren Jenna Qurneh (Abu Dhabi), Edward Rabideau, Jr. (Harrisonburg, VA), and Charlotte Rabideau (Harrisonburg, VA); sister-in-law, Michelle (Bastian) Richards (South Carolina), brother-in-law Dyson Richards (South Carolina); nephew Brady Richards (New York); niece Kelvey Richards (South Carolina); and many close friends and neighbors.

Born and raised in upstate New York, the adopted son of Grace (Bradley) and Edward Rabideau, Bernie spent his early years working for the family’s rental properties, where he worked side by side with his Dad from the age of 6. A graduate of Hudson Falls High School, he married his first wife Doris (Curtis) Coon and had his first child, Kimberly. Bernie proudly served in the U.S. Air Force, where he learned skills as an electrical engineer that would serve him later on his career. In 1982, he married Deborah (Bastian) Rabideau and relocated to Florida, where he welcomed the birth of his second child, Edward, in 1986. Bernie and his wife have enjoyed the last 22 years in Northern Virginia.

Bernie took immense pride in his work and had a keen attention to detail. He spoke often of his gratitude for learning the skills and work ethic from his Dad. Bernie’s expertise in craftsmanship, maintenance, electrical, A/C and refrigeration took him through a long work career in various different fields, including ownership of several small businesses.

Bernie was very active and loved the outdoors. He spent all of his free time landscaping and working with his hands on his property. He always had a multitude of projects keeping him busy. Anyone visiting his home would comment that his was the loveliest in the neighborhood. In his down time he enjoyed watching movies or spending time with the love of his life, Deborah. He had a close circle of friends and neighbors that he cherished. As a man of very strong faith and morals, he spent much time in private prayer and enjoyed attending church on Saturdays. He wanted to make the world a better place and believed in passing down knowledge, skill and moral advice. He could always be counted on to give guidance whenever it could add value. He had a unique sense of humor and kept his family laughing even up to his final few days.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 19 at 2:30 pm, Williamsport Seventh Day Adventist Church at 16421 Lappans Road, Williamsport, MD, followed by a meal provided by the Church.

The family has asked that donations be made in Bernie’s name to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W Cork Street, #405, Winchester, VA 22601, or online at brhospice.org/giving

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