Anthony "Tony" Arruda

Anthony "Tony" Arruda, age 55, passed away peacefully in his Norwood, Massachusetts home on Monday, November 16, 2015. Born in Fall River, Massachusetts on March 14, 1960, he was the son of the late John F. and Irene C. (Aguiar) Arruda. He was raised in Tiverton, Rhode Island and attended Tiverton High School. After high school, Tony proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was stationed with Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Division and served overseas in Germany for 7 months.

After his honorable discharge from the Army in 1978, Tony earned employment with the Veterans Administration Hospital in the West Roxbury Campus as a maintenance man. He advanced his career by later becoming a boilerman at the West Roxbury VA. His last position with the VA Hospital was in the Jamaica Plain Campus, where he served as a boilerman in the maintenance department.

Tony had many passions in life, he enjoyed collecting antiques, especially Norman Rockwell Plates; watching old movies, refinishing furniture, and following NASCAR. He also loved listening to Rock and Roll Music, especially from his favorite artists, Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top. Tony was well versed in history and loved talking politics.

February 6, 2014 was a day of great joy for Tony, as he married his loving wife, Diane M. Coppenrath. Together Tony and Diane enjoyed many things together, especially their love for riding their Harley Davidson Motorcycle.

Beloved husband of Diane M. (Coppenrath) Arruda.
Devoted son of the late John F. and Irene C. (Aguiar) Arruda.
Loving brother of Patricia Fornier of Tiverton, RI, Steven Arruda of Fall River, and Jen Jordan of Brockton.
Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the graveside service that will be held in the Massachusetts National Cemetery at Joint Force Base Otis in Bourne on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at 1:15 PM. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.