Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend John’s Celebration of Life at La Familia Restaurant, 431 Winthrop St., Taunton, on Friday , August 9, 2024, between the hours of 11:30am-3:00pm.
The event will take place on the second floor of the restaurant, which is handicap accessible if required. Private Burial will be held in Mayflower Hill Cemetery, Taunton.
John E. Arruda, (PA), age 78 of Taunton entered into eternal rest on December, 11 2023, with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband of 51 years, to Barbara Arruda Born in Fall River, he was one of three children born to Josephine (Lema) Arruda and Michael Arruda. John was raised and educated in Somerset, Mass. He attended U-Mass Dartmouth (formerly South Eastern Mass. University – SMU), receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Social Work. John’s professional career was devoted to assisting adults with chronic mental illness. He was employed with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Mental Health for 33 years prior to his retirement in 2002. John received a “Pride in Performance Award” in 2000, acknowledging the span of his career in social work, Inpatient Director, Case Management Supervisor and Site Office Director. John was the proud father of his 2 children and their spouses. Sandra (Cardoza) Willette and Steven Willette. Sylvia (Cardoza) Thetonia and Rik Thetonia. He cherished his grandchildren Angie (Sharpe) Cianci and Matthew Cianci, Christine (Sharpe) Acciardo and John Acciardo, Kaley (Thetonia) Coccia and Neal Coccia, Alex Thetonia and Brittany Sharpe. John was the loving “Pa” to his great-grandchildren; Ashley Westberg, Francis Cianci, Phoebe Cianci, Jovie Coccia, Dallas Coccia, Anna Acciardo and Emily Acciardo. He was also like a father to “The Boy” - Scott Parker, Maria Raposo and husband Rob Raposo. In addition to his late parents, John is predeceased by his sister Kathleen Arruda. He is survived by his brother Michael Arruda and companion Kimmie Fregreus, and Aunt Irene Arruda. Also, his lifetime friend George Antone and special friends Paul D’Espinosa, Carol Rhoades and Joanne Perry. John enjoyed playing golf, reading, fishing, storytelling, spending quality time with his family and beating his friends at cards. Lovingly known as “Chief” and “Dawg”. “He was kind of a big deal.” John’s family will announce a “Celebration of Life” at a later date. In his memory, please give to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are with the Silva Funeral Home of Taunton.
For expressions of sympathy, to sign an online guestbook or to light a memorial candle, visit www.silvafuneralhome.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John E. Arruda, please visit our flower store.