Gary G. Rabideau

Gary G. Rabideau, age 74 of Plattsburgh, passed away peacefully after a long, valiant battle with pancreatic cancer, at his daughter’s home in Peru, NY, on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. He was surrounded by his loving family and loyal canine, Tucker. Gary was born February 24, 1946 in Plattsburgh, NY to Irene Fisher and Harry Rabideau. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Barbara, Shirley Wood, Richard, Roland and Beverly McLaughlin.

Gary was a very proud Vietnam War veteran where he served in the Marine Corps LAAM Battalion (on Monkey Mountain), after completing Basic Training in TwentyNine Palms, CA and later stationed in Yuma, AZ. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal among several other commendations. He was also a Desert Storm veteran, serving in the Army Reserve. He earned the Army Reserve Achievement, Army Merit Award, Army Good Conduct Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon and the Army Reserve Overseas Training Ribbon. Gary fought fearlessly for this country that he loved.

Gary was a very skilled craftsman and carpenter, working with many local contractors as a laborer before finally retiring from Bombardier building trains. During his retirement he enjoyed spending time with family and many friends at his camp in West Chazy, NY, meeting friends at McDonald’s for breakfast, fishing in Lake Champlain, BBQ’ing and watching every Yankee game he could. He especially enjoyed the games he was able to attend with his son, Stephan, at Yankee Stadium. Those were some of his fondest memories.

Gary especially loved time spent with nieces and nephews in Vermont attending the Golden Gloves Boxing tournaments. His annual trip to Burlington, VT was something he often reminisced about.

Gary is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen (Macy), two adult children: Stephan James and Kimberly Kay Chamberlain (Jason). He was especially proud of his five grandchildren: Casey Chamberlain (wife Michelle and great granddaughter Maci), Corey Chamberlain (Stephanie Brignardello), Cegan Chamberlain, Nicholas Rabideau (Allison LaRock) and Colin Yost. He is also survived by siblings Sandy Klyber, Grant and several nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his loyal K-9 companion, Tucker.

Our family would like to thank the amazing staff at University of Vermont CVPH Fitzpatrick Cancer Center and Hospice of the North Country for the wonderful and loving care they took of Gary. Your compassion and professionalism was second to none. You will always remain in our hearts for the way that you treated the whole patient and not just the disease. Thank you.

Due to Covid restrictions, a celebration of life memorial service will be held in the spring at his daughter’s home in Peru, NY. Gary would be honored if donations were made to Marine Toys for Tots at www.toysfortots.org or Hospice of the North Country www.hospicenc.org .