Derek H. Rabideau (45) of Foxboro passed away on November 11th, 2016. He was the beloved son of Ruth Ann Whitman, of Middleboro, and the late John B. Smith, of Plymouth. He is survived by his three siblings: his sister, Michelle (Rabideau) Rodriguez and brother-in-law, Hector Rodriguez, of Middleboro, his brother, Michael Rabideau and sister-in-law, Karen Rabideau, of Georgia, and his brother, Charles Smith of Rockland. He is also survived by his son, Derek Rabideau, daughter-in-law, Kristie Ramos, and grandson, Brantley Rabideau, of Brockton; his daughter, Kelsea (Giannini) Zhu, and son-in-law, Steven Zhu, of Weston; his daughter, Adriana O'Halloran, and grandson-to-be, Liam Francis-Derek, of North Carolina; and his stepson, Dominic Giannini, and long-time companion, Tara Giannini, of Taunton. Additional survivors include his loving cousin, Lori Ennis-Soper, of Rockland; many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews; and the immeasurable friends, colleagues, and acquaintances made throughout Derek's lifetime.
Mr. Rabideau was born in Middleboro and later raised in Brockton. Derek worked as a sanitation laborer for the American Paper Recycling Company in Mansfield. Prior to this, he had been employed as a CDL-licensed driver throughout New England for over twenty-five years.
Throughout his life, Derek treasured being a devoted father and grandfather and loved to spend time with his family. He also enjoyed working out at the gym, taking long walks and hikes, and listening to music. Derek was particularly known for his exceptionally strong and unyielding work ethic. He was intent on always keeping himself busy, whether at work on the road, in the gym lifting weights, or at home fixing his truck with his son. Yet alongside Derek’s determined work ethic was, most notably, a deep and personable charm easily observed and appreciated by others. Kind, sensitive, and friendly, Derek had a magnetic personality which many admired with fondness. As most will now remember him, Derek was above all a warm-hearted, charismatic, good man. He was dearly loved and he will be profoundly missed.
Following cremation, a memorial in celebration and remembrance of Derek’s life will be held in the Home of Funeral Multi Cultural located at 238 Court Street in Brockton on Monday, November 28th, 2016 from 5-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the college fund arranged for his grandson, Brantley Rabideau, of 33 Sheridan Street, Brockton, MA 02301. The fund can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/brantleyscollegefund.