William “Bill” Arruda, 83, of Rotunda West, Fl, formerly of Swansea, MA passed away peacefully at home on January 7, 2023. Bill was born in Fall River, MA on October 1, 1939, son of the late Antone and Mary P. Arruda. He was preceded in death by his brother, Antone “Tony” Arruda and daughter-in-law, Paula Conley.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Pamela J. Arruda, sons, William Arruda, George Arruda (Randi), daughter, Paula Arruda(Jane Shanley) and stepson, Ronald Strickland. Proud Vo to grandson, George Arruda (Lauren), granddaughters’, Whitney Leary (PJ), Mackenzie Messier (Ryan) and 5 great-grandchildren.
After graduating from Diman Vocational, Bill joined the United States Marine Corps. He was immeasurably honored and proud to have served his country with his beloved Marines. After the Marines, Bill was a milkman for Nelson’s Dairy, a star salesman for Continental coffee before finding his true calling and passion of becoming a Police Officer. He served the Town of Swansea for 22 years before retiring in 1999. Bill never missed an opportunity to pick up an extra outside road detail, where he could be seen coffee in hand, with his friendly smile, talking up the townspeople.
Bill had a true gift for storytelling, regaling all with his affable, effusive personality.
During his retirement years, he enjoyed various carpentry projects in his woodworking shop, loved all things sports, bowled a perfect game and was an avid history buff (particularly WWII). Member of Marine Corps League, Van Gyzen Det 1285, American Legion, AmVets and Swansea Police Assn. We are eternally grateful for our time together. Until we meet again “Sweetheart”.
His visitation will be held Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM followed by a Funeral Service at 12:00 PM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, 189 Gardners Neck Road, Swansea.
Contributions in his honor may be made to Toys for Tots, https://somerset-ma.toysfortots.org/
and/or K9's for Warriors, https://k9sforwarriors.org/
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