Joseph A. Arruda
Date of Passing:
Joseph Antone Arruda
September 17, 1923 – May 4, 2020
Joseph Arruda was born in Little Compton, RI. Joe grew up in Tiverton, with his parents John and Mary (Medeiros) Arruda and 8 siblings. He lived his golden years retired in Plainville, MA. Joe was a kind, strong and healthy 96-year-old “Papa” until even he could not survive the nasty coronavirus.
He served in a joint Army/Navy division in the 7th Air Corps (later called the Air Force) 494 Bomber Squadron from 1943-1946 on the island of Angaur in the Philippine Sea and Hawaii. Joe was a cryptologist helping to decode enemy messages. Like many World War II veterans, he was a humble man about his incredible service experience.
Joe worked many years as an electrical engineer at Texas Instruments in Attleboro, MA. Joe and his wife Esther raised two daughters who both inherited his love for disciplined subjects like math and science. He had a loving, patient manner that made him well-liked by all who met him. His family came to rely on him as the “master fixer” of all things, and he was a true computer whiz operating the latest tech gadgets as if he were a “millennial” instead of somebody from the post-depression generation.
Joe found a second opportunity at love when he married Pauline in 1997. The two enjoyed life together traveling and sight-seeing the east coast of the US. Joe also was an avid lover of teaching line dancing and staying busy at all times.
He is survived by wife Pauline, sister Elsie Giasson, daughters JoAnn (Dan) Smith and Mary Bernard, stepdaughter Wendy (Gregory) Ames, grandchildren Chris, Jaime, Katherine, and Stephanie, step-granddaughters Cheryl and Heather, 8 great-grandchildren, and 2 step-great grandchildren. Joe’s family and friends love him dearly.
Joe’s final resting place will be next to his late wife Esther Arruda in St. Ann Cemetery in Cranston, RI. Due to current restrictions on public gatherings, the burial will be private and a memorial mass will be scheduled in the future.
The family would like to thank all health care providers and essential workers who risk their lives every day to help make this world a better place. Joe will be truly missed by all and if you wish to honor him in any way, please consider making a donation to Wounded Warrior Project or the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation.
Joe was a wonderful teacher to me as a new employee at Texas Instruments. He was a great role model, easy to work with, and had great ethics. Patience and kindness always.
May your memories give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. The Staff of the RI Society of CPAs
I had the wonderful pleasure to meet Joe about 11 years ago, working in the healthcare field, we grew a fast bond as he reminded me of my late grandfather. I saw him often he was such a loving, kind and cheery soul, always happy and smiling. This is such a tragic loss. Pauline and family our hearts go out to you. We also loved Joe dearly. Joe, you will be greatly missed by your healthcare family, Dana and the girls.
I met Joe 42 years ago at Texas Instruments in Attleboro. He was welcoming and helpful in every way to me as a new employee. He was a example of the greatest generation in every way. My condolences to his family.
Joe was an kind and loving gentleman. Gary and I admired his energy and love for family. I share in your sadness at this terrible loss. Love Janet