Anthony J. Arruda, age 86, of South Dartmouth, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Vibra Hospital after fighting complications of Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy. He was the husband of Priscilla R. (Robinson) Arruda. They were married 66 years.

Born in New Bedford, the son of the late John and Clara (Brum) Arruda, he grew up in New Bedford and had lived in South Dartmouth since 1967.

Mr. Arruda attended New Bedford Vocational High School and later became a member of the Massachusetts National Guard. He was a competitive roller skater at Lincoln Park, a member of the Massachusetts Cosmetology Association, and a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Along with his wife, he owned Anthony’s Hair Styles for 40 years and retired in 2003. Mr. Arruda will be remembered for his musical talents and his time spent playing with various area bands. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church, Dartmouth.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Sharron M. Bernier and her fiancé, Robert Lopes, and Denne A. Ziegler and her husband Richard, all of South Dartmouth. Four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, Zoe Emma Ziegler, Logan Richard Ziegler, Nicole (Bernier) Perry, her husband Matthew, and their children, Nora Grace, Audrey Mae, and Henry Malcolm, Laura (Bernier) Machado, her husband Patrick, and their children, Eloise Hope and Gunnar Bates. He leaves one brother, John Arruda, of New Hampshire.

Arrangements had occurred on November 12, 2024 and are in the care of the Waring-Sullivan Home at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Rd., Dartmouth, MA 02748. For online tribute/directions: www.waring-sullivan.com.