Leonard Honorato Arruda

Leonard H. Arruda, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully during the early morning hours of Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Len is survived by his beloved wife, Donna; his son, Jim and wife Jessica; his daughter April and husband Scott; his daughter Pamela; his sister Jacquelyn; and his treasured grandchildren Zoe, Jack, and Piper. His grandchildren will all remember his hugs, kisses, and jokes.

 A longtime member of Long Plain Baptist Church, Len found faith later in life and deeply enjoyed growing in his faith through Saturday scripture discussions with his pastor and good friend, Hank Souza. He also enjoyed weekly breakfasts with “the guys” – Jim, Gary, Dave, Joel, Charles, and Bob – where the coffee was hot and laughter was guaranteed.

Len proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and firmly believed in the phrase, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” He carried that pride throughout his life.

A favorite memory of Len’s was morning bike rides and singing “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” with his “baby,” April. Laughing about getting lost driving back to Massachusetts with April, and rattling on with the state police until he was told “No, I just need where you’re trying to go…”  Watching Jim’s little league baseball games was always an enjoyable memory of Len’s. Sunday morning Ma’s donuts and “Lime Rickety.” Laughing with Pam, his love of holidays and family get-togethers with his mother-in-law Daisy’s famous Italian cooking, and the many memorable – and sometimes “brutal” – road trips he and Donna took to Virginia together will always be cherished memories.

His occasional clumsiness would sometimes lead to a laughter-producing fall, followed by Donna’s famous line: “Don’t fall, Len – I’m no good!” “Hooked on a Feeling.”

He leaves behind family and friends and many fond memories. He will always be in our hearts.

Visitation is private. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend Len’s committal service with Marine Corps military honors on Wednesday May 27, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, off Connery Avenue in Bourne, MA 02532