Dr Robert C. Arruda D.M.L.

Dr. Robert C. Arruda, D.M.L., of High Street, Bristol, died peacefully on Thursday, April 14, 2022 surrounded by his loving family, at the Dawn Hill Rehabilitation Center, at the age of 90.  He was the husband of Linda C. (Lawton) Arruda, his wife of 54 years. Born in Bristol, and a lifelong resident, he was the son of the late Joseph M. and Almorinda (Sousa) Arruda. Besides his wife, Linda, he is survived by two children, Pamela Arruda Lambo of Falls Church, VA, and Matthew J. Arruda (Gabrielle) of Aliso Viejo, CA and his beloved grandchildren, Siena and Luisa Lambo and Benjamin and Jackson Arruda.  He is also survived by his sister, Almerinda Aguiar of Warren, several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

Bob was a graduate of Colt Memorial High School, Class of 1950. He continued his studies, and earned advanced degrees from Brown University, Georgetown University, University of Coimbra (Portugal), and culminating in a Doctorate of Modern Languages from Middlebury College in 1977. He was a Professor of Modern Languages in French, Portuguese and Spanish at State University of Bridgewater in Bridgewater, MA for 37 years, retiring in 1997. Following his retirement he taught classes at several local and international colleges and universities.

Dr. Arruda had a love of languages and the Arts. Bob was a native Bristolian, but his studies, work, and passions brought him around the world.  Well versed in French, Portuguese, and Spanish, he spent many years working and studying in Europe, bringing his experiences back to southern New England and his many students in the area.  Much of his career was spent teaching languages at Rhode Island universities including, Brown, Providence College, Rhode Island College, and Salve Regina.  One of the original founding members of the Bristol Art Museum, Bob has also served several local organizations, including the Coimbra Club, Alliance Francais, Mosaico, and as a 20-year Trustee of the Rogers Free Library.  Later in life, his favorite activities included travelling the world with his wife, weekly breakfasts with his “Romeo” group, a love for classic cars, and working in his garden.

Bob was an active communicant of St. Mary’s Church, where he served his community by being a Eucharistic Minister, lector, serving on the St. Vincent de Paul Society committee and loved giving passionate guided tours of the treasured stained glass windows and the Stations of the Cross of St. Mary’s Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers and their wives, Edward Arruda (Margaret) and Joseph Arruda (Shirley).

Funeral Services will be held from the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, Friday, April 22, 2022 at 9:00 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Mary’s Church, 330 Wood Street, Bristol.  Burial will follow in North Burial Ground, Hope Street, Bristol.  Visiting hours will be Thursday, April 21, 2022 from 4:00-7:00 PM.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rhode Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association ( www.alz.org/ri )and the Bristol Art Museum
( www.BristolArtMuseum.org ).

For online condolences, shared memories, information and directions go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com

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