US Army veteran
WESTERLY, RI — Robert “Bob” James Rideout, a resident of Westerly, RI and formerly of Wakefield passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 11 at age 90.
Robert was born in Everett on July 11, 1934, one of four children of the late Emerson and Edith (Burke) Rideout. Raised and educated in Everett, Bob served honorably in the US Army following his graduation from high school. He served from 1953 until receiving an honorable discharge in 1959 and remained a proud veteran throughout his life.
Bob bravely served as a Firefighter for the City of Everett for 33 years. Fulfilling his duties with hard work and dedication, he reached the rank of Deputy Fire Chief before retiring. After the tragic loss of his wife Janice at 32 years of age, Bob raised his three young children.
Bob was remarried to Linda Aust and together they raised a family of four children residing in Wakefield. Later in life, Bob moved to be closer to family in Rhode Island.
For many years, Bob raised chickens for the enjoyment of fresh brown eggs for breakfast. He also enjoyed time spent gardening, growing a large supply of vegetables to share with family and friends and always took pride in mowing the yard. In his free time, Bob loved taking walks with friends and family, conversing with anyone he met and was always up for a hot meal. With easy laughter and a great sense of humor, Bob was well liked, made friends everywhere he went and was generous to those around him. Later in life, he became a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and enjoyed friendships with fellow members.
Above all, Bob was a family man who cherished time spent around his children and grandchildren. For many years he organized a vacation in Gloucester for the family to enjoy Good Harbor Beach, incredible seafood and most importantly, quality time together. He will be deeply missed, but always lovingly remembered as a good-hearted man who loved his family.
Bob was the beloved husband of the late Linda (Aust) Rideout and the late Janice (Brown) Rideout. Devoted father of Lynne Rideout of Westerly, RI; Glenn Rideout of Brighton, ME; Scott Rideout of San Francisco, CA; and Douglas Aust of Boston. Cherished grandfather of Tyler Johnston and his wife Caitlin of San Antonio, TX; Jani Johnston of Westerly, RI; Jack Johnston of Charlotte, NC; Jason Johnston of Westerly, RI; Andrew Rideout of White Plains, NY; and Ronald Rideout of Kansas City, MO. He was the dear brother of Phyllis, Diane and Arthur Rideout. Later on in life, Bob found companionship with his dear friend and neighbor Christina Wilks. He enjoyed walking over to her house and spending mornings and afternoons drinking tea and delighted in English recipes.
Services for Bob are private. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. If you wish to honor Bob’s life, donations may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) 62 Walnut St., Ste. 5, Wellesley, MA 02481 or breakthrought1d.org.For online tribute, please visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
