Professor Emeritus of Modern Languages|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

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Portsmouth Times, Bristol Phoenix from Apr. 18 to Apr. 21, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Arruda

Sponsored by Sansone Funeral Home - Bristol.

9 Entries

Bruce

April 12, 2024

One thing I can say about Robert is that I don´t ever remember anything other than kind words from him and his concern for the wellbeing of others.

He was always upbeat and active in his church and still made time to stop and share is friendly nature at Angelina´s coffee shop

H re is greatly missed by those who knew him!

Bruce Wayne

April 12, 2023

I remember first meeting Bob at Angelina's Coffee shop. And he was just friendly and concerned for the well being of everyone. He would enquire how they were and would really show genuine concern and kindness.

And this was typical every time I saw him which was mostly at the coffee shop. We talked about many things over the next few years and his uplifting support of others was a great example for me and others as well.

We need many more like Bob. And I trust that he is now watching us all with that contagious smile he always seemed to have

Bruce Richer

March 10, 2023

A great friend and Role Model who always showed concern for others.

I will never forget him

Rev. Dr. Mary J. Korte, Tim, Audrey and Adam

May 31, 2022

A loving gentle soul, giving spirit and inspiring intellect. I always loved the lilt in his voice when he spoke. We offer prayers on his behalf and hugs to cousin Linda and their children. May angels have charge over him.

Michael J. Vieira, Ph.D.

April 27, 2022

So sorry to hear of Professor Arruda's death. He was an inspiration. Here's what I shared on Facebook. Hope it brings some consolation.

Many times over the years since I graduated from Bridgewater State, I wondered what happened to Prof. Bob Arruda. Although I asked around, nobody seemed to have any information. It was with sadness that I learned that he passed on April 21 of this year. I'm sorry I wasn't able to thank him for his influence while he was alive.
When I was a student, I took out a loan co-signed by my dad to take a trip to Portugal with Prof. Arruda and a group of students and others. It was my first trip abroad and it lit the fire that has kept me travelling ever since. Not only did I learn a great deal about my Portuguese heritage, but also realized how important international travel is to students. That inspired the trips that Joe Yasaian and I have organized for Bristol Community College students. Atlhough not sponsored by the college, they continue, most recently with a trip to Greece. Professor Arruda was a gentleman, a great teacher, and an inspiration. He will be missed but his legacy continues. Boa viagem!

Bill & Marsha Berry

April 25, 2022

Linda
So sorry to read of Bob's passing. We are currently in London visiting with family so we wanted to express our condolences.
Bill & Marsha Berry

Peter Dugan

April 19, 2022

Dear Mrs. Arruda, Matt, and Pam:

I am so sorry to hear about Bob's passing. I always loved running into him around town - always genuinely interested in how I was and to say a kind word. Such a loving, sweet man. I will put him and your family in my prayers.

Best,
Peter Dugan

Bill Chittick

April 18, 2022

Bob was inspirational on so many levels, and he easily cultivated friendships far and wide. It is one of my great pleasures to count Bob as a friend and mentor, and conversing with him was always a rewarding experience: few people could ever come close to his depth of knowledge in practically any subject. One of my earliest memories of Bob (45 years ago!) was his talk at the Bristol Historical Society re the Azores with his special emphasis on local surnames: and "Arruda" turned out to be the rue plant - who knew?!
I´ll miss the fun crossword get-togethers at Angelina´s, his devotion to all things Bristol (including as vice president of the Tree Society), and especially will miss his stories of old Bristol and the later international travels that he and Linda were famous for. My thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Linda, Pam, Matt and all the Arrudas. Sincerely, Bill Chittick, Bristol R.I.

Paul De Luca - Class of 1974

April 18, 2022

To a great man ,who was very inspiring to many.
I am very sorry for your loss
Rest in peace

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