ELLENBURG DEPOT – Rufus J. Rabideau, 86, of Route 11, passed away, June 2, 2022.

He was born in Ellenburg Depot on June 6, 1935, son of Herman and Clara Rabideau, Sr.

Rufus married the former Rita Roberts on February 23, 1971 in Champlain.  Rita predeceased him on November 2, 2000.

He worked for numerous years as a carpenter throughout the North Country.  Rufus was an avid hunter and was a charter member of the Gulf View Hunting Club.  He was also a member of the Ellenburg Depot Fire Department for over 50 years.

Rufus was always seen driving around town and loved to "stop in" and visit with his numerous family and friends.  He was most happy while puttering around on his tractors and especially spending time cutting wood.  Whether using his chainsaw or splitting the wood, he loved to be outdoors logging.

Survivors include his children, Brian (Mary) Rabideau, Beverly (Eddy) Nichols, and Peggy (Jeff) McNeil;  brother, Harold Rabideau;  sisters, Jane Forkey, Marilyn (Gerald) Gadway, Edith Surprenant, and Marie Trombly;  sisters-in-law, Rhoda Rabideau, Janet Roberts, and Pauline Roberts;  brother-in-law, Jack Dragoon;  grandchildren, Lucas and Matthew Rabideau, Adam Nichols, Jason Nichols, Tim (Wendy) Nichols, Brad (Kristen) Nichols, Amanda (Chad) Trombley, Ashley McNeil, and Joshua (Liz) McNeil;  eight great-grandchildren;  and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rufus was predeceased by his son, Mark Rabideau on February 6, 2021;  brother, Herman Rabideau, Jr.;  sister-in-law, Shirley Rabideau;  brothers-in-law, Jim Forkey, Robert Surprenant, and Charlie Trombly;  and his longtime companion Gloria Manor.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 8 ^th from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m at the Rabideau Funeral Home in Ellenburg.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. in St. Edmunds Church in Ellenburg.  Entombment will take place in the Town of Ellenburg Mausoleum.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Ellenburg Depot Fire Department or St. Edmund's and St. Bernard's Parishes.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.rabideaufuneralhome.com .

Arrangements have been entrusted into the care of the Rabideau Funeral Home, 5614 Route 11, Ellenburg, NY.