Obituary

Walter was called home to his Lord on February 11, 2020, after He gifted us with his presence for 69 years.  He passed away from Leukemia with grace, dignity and faith with his wife by his side.  While his journey ended differently than we all had hoped, he’s now with family, friends and angels in heaven enjoying a heck of a happy hour. He was born on May 18, 1950 in Fall River, Massachusetts, the youngest of twelve children, to the late Jose and Edith (Pimental) Arruda.  When the family moved to Somerset, MA, he attended and was graduated from Somerset High School.  He worked as a meat cutter for Stop & Shop Supermarket in Bristol, RI and in his early years he worked for Trucchi’s Supermarket in Taunton, MA.  For many years he coached youth softball and basketball for the P.A.L., C.Y.O., and the Milliken League in Fall River.

Walter loved life and loved people even more.  He touched so many people’s lives in various ways.  He had a passion for cooking and entertaining, especially on holidays.  He loved preparing meals for family and friends and his pleasure came from seeing them enjoy the results.  Walter enjoyed playing golf and traveled extensively over the years.  His greatest joy, however, was feeding and caring for the horses that lived behind his property in The Villages.  He’s now enjoying his favorites, Major & Rocket!

He had a way of lighting up a room with his outgoing personality and was always the life of the party.  He will be remembered for his loud and colorful dressing style….sometimes being referred to as “fancy pants”.

Walter will be dearly missed.  He is survived by his wife, Jeanne, together for 42 years and three children: Nicole of  Lady Lake, FL; Kelsey of Fall River, MA and Ryan of East Taunton, MA; brothers: Richard (Nancy); Raymond (Beverly); Ronald (Joyce); James (Jo-Ann); sisters: Joan Larrivee and Natalie Raposa.  He leaves numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  He was predeceased by sisters: Delores DeNardo; Barbara Augustine and brothers: Thomas, Joseph and John.

To remember Walter’s life, celebrations will be held in The Villages, FL and Fall River, MA in the coming months.  In Walter’s memory, please seek to do a kind deed for someone and make them smile.