Antonio Manuel Arruda

FALL RIVER…Antonio Manuel Arruda, 52, of Westport passed away Friday, November 6, 2020 at home, surrounded by his family.

He was the loving husband of Nelia Arruda.

Born in Fajã de Baixo, St. Michael, Azores, he was a son of the late Antonio Rego Arruda and Diamantina (Farias) Arruda.

After graduating ranked #7 from Diman Regional Technical Vocational High School, Mr. Arruda served in the United States Army and received a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from ITT. He was self-employed as an owner-operator in the trucking industry. He was also a member of Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for 26 years and enjoyed basketball, fishing, and bowling.

Along with his wife, survivors include his sons: Antonio M. Arruda, Jr. of Westport (companion Heather Faulkner of Lakeville) and Johnathan T. Arruda of Westport; his daughters: Meaghan M. Arruda (companion Manuel Rivera) of New Bedford, Nicole J. Arruda and Samantha L. Arruda, both of Westport; his sisters: Madeline Borges (husband Carlos) of Dartmouth, Ana Branco (husband Luis) of Fall River, and Margaret Diogo (husband Carlos) of Westport; several nieces & nephews.

Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be held Friday, November 13, 2020, at 9 AM from the Oliveira Funeral Home, 215 Columbia St. Fall River, MA 02721 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at Espirito Santo Parish, Alden St. Fall River. Interment will be in Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River. Calling hours will be held Thursday, November 12, 2020 from 5 – 8 PM.