Antonio Arruda

Antonio Sousa Arruda

Medford, MA -Antonio Sousa Arruda, 91, of Medford, Massachusetts, died on May 6, 2025. He was the husband of Zenalia (Cabral) Arruda.

Born in Bretanha, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal on February 20, 1934, he was the son of Jose and Maria (Amaral) Arruda.

Antonio was born in São Miguel, Azores, but he spent most of his life in Santa Maria, Azores where met his wife, Zenalia of 65 years and built a family. He worked at the Hotel Terra Nostra as a food and beverage manager and then as a flight operations dispatcher for Sata airlines. Antonio's generosity and dedication touched countless lives. Not only did he nourish people, ensure travelers found their way with ease and kindness, but also provided opportunities to many. Although he left the Azores decades ago, his presence remains - woven in the stories and memories of those who still speak of him fondly. Antonio enjoyed the tranquility of the ocean and was an avid fisherman, spending weekends in São Lourenço while in the Azores and Portsmouth R.I when he later moved to the United States. He was also a devoted Benfica (futebol) fan, adorning the color red whenever possible. His legacy is not just in the places he worked, but in the people he uplifted, the friendships he fostered, and the warmth he shared with his family and all who knew him.

Antonio is survived by his wife; Zenalia Arruda, his children; Tony Arruda and his wife, Neuza Ginilheu, Henry Arruda and his wife, Paulina Arruda, Grace Arruda and her husband, Michael Bohenko, Paula Arruda and her husband, Afshin Beheshti, and Elsa Arruda-Ziniti and her husband, Joseph Ziniti. Antonio will also be missed by his brother; Sebastião Arruda, grandchildren; Matthew Arruda, Richard Borges and his wife, Allie Borges, and Patrick Bohenko, and his great-grandchildren; Lucy and Marisol Borges

Antonio is preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Maria Rosa Arruda, his siblings; Jose S. Arruda, Manuel S. Arruda, João S. Arruda, Jaime S. Arruda, Maria Hilario, Belmira Moura, and Henrique S. Arruda.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to united Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, give.umdf.org

Calling hours will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 9:00am - 10:30am at Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth.

A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 11:00 am at St. Anthony's Church, 2836 East Main Rd. Portsmouth. Burial will follow at St. Columba Catholic Cemetery, 465 Brown's Ln., Middletown.