John David Robideau

John D. Robideau, 66, of Southington, beloved husband and best friend of Donna (Celella) Robideau, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 26, 2023 at Hartford Hospital. “Uncle John” as he was known by his family and friends, was born in Bristol on August 23, 1956 and was the son of Karleen (Baehr) Robideau and the late John N. Robideau. He was educated in Bristol schools and was employed by Smith Medical as a setup technician for many years. John was an avid history buff. So much so, he was a member of the 1st Maryland Company H Regiment Confederate Army Reenactment Group for over 20 years. He proudly performed with his friends on many historic battlefields to entertain and educate those that came to see the battles. John loved to camp. And when we say “camp” we mean camp! Old school style! The kind with a real canvas tent, the same one he used during his reenactment days. No fancy expensive RV on his campground. Along with the cooking, he would sit by the fire playing his guitar, sometimes even at 4:30 in the morning. He also loved to garden, listen to “surf music”, cook, bowl, and throw back a few vodka tonics, with lemon and lime of course. He was also the proud owner of the Voodoo Lounge located on Celella Drive in Southington. A place where everyone was welcomed. This same generosity played a key role in John’s life. He played Santa Clause for over 30 years at The Southington Community Service Center. His playing Santa started out by a simple speeding ticket which turned into a sort of community service. But he was happy to do it. John and Donna always hosted during the holidays. He was the life of the party. Their home was always opened, even to strangers. Everyone had a seat at their table. If you ever needed anything, you went to see “Uncle John”. He was always there for you. He was also the proud owner of a 1956 Chevy Bel-Air and a 2015 Mustang which he drove with all of his “coolness”. Besides his wife Donna, to who he was married to for 38 years, John is survived by his two special girls, whom he welcomed with open and loving arms into his home and raised them as his own; Brandy Celella of Southington and Lexy Celella also of Southington. He was grampa to Alyze Celella, Oliver Dominique, Zayne Celella, Alonzo Celella and Kaizyn Celella all of Southington. He is also survived by his brother in law, John Celella of Southington and by his very special nieces and nephews; Pamela Stone of Southington, Jennifer Oblon of Southington, Joseph Murphy of Southington, Michael Murphy of Berlin, Brian Celella of Harwinton and Anthony and Andrew Celella of Berlin. He was predeceased by his brother Paul and his father, John, and also by “Mr. Kitty”. A Mass of Christian Burial for John will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 10:00 AM from the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. Southington, CT 06489 and at 11:00 AM in The Church of Saint Dominic, 1050 Flanders Rd, Southington, CT. The mass will be said by Fr. Matthew Jancyk who is a family friend. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours for John will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.